After a disappointing season that saw the Olympique de Marseille miss out on Champions League qualification, several key players are expected to leave the club. Among them is Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi, whose exit appears to be a done deal internally. At 27 years old and under contract until June 2028, the defender has become a target for multiple clubs seeking defensive reinforcements.
Balerdi’s time at Marseille has been marked by inconsistent performances, leading to his transferability being reconsidered. Initially deemed untradable during the previous transfer window, financial constraints and the club’s sporting ambitions have since shifted the narrative. Internal sources confirm that discussions have reached an advanced stage, with the player and the club aligning on terms for his exit.
Transfer saga nears completion
In a recent YouTube live session, journalist Sébastien Denis revealed that Balerdi’s departure is imminent: “Balerdi is certain to leave. He and Marseille had already agreed on terms weeks ago.” This assertion aligns with earlier reports suggesting that both parties are in sync regarding the transfer. While the names of interested clubs remain undisclosed, negotiations are reportedly underway.
Potential destinations emerge for the Argentine defender
Following Marseille’s final league match against Stade Rennais, Balerdi addressed his future cautiously: “We’ll see. I don’t know yet. For now, I’m here, but we’ll see.” His services have piqued the interest of several high-profile clubs, including Juventus, AS Roma, Nottingham Forest, and Atlético de Madrid, all of whom are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
