Balerdi set for Roma transfer from Marseille
Quick summary
Leonardo Balerdi is set to join Roma from Marseille, with the Argentine defender expected to complete a transfer to the Italian club.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMultiple sources in Italy claim that Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi is set to join Roma on loan with an option to buy from Olympique Marseille.
Roma have practically secured an agreement to sign Balerdi from Marseille.
Balerdi set for Roma transfer MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Leonardo Balerdi of Olympique de Marseille reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport reported on their front pages this morning that the agreement between the two clubs was almost sealed, and Sky Sport now reports that Roma and Marseille are so close to finalising talks that Balerdi is expected to travel to Italy today.
All sources confirm that Balerdi will complete an initial loan move with an option to buy that becomes mandatory under certain conditions.
NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 04: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Newport County and AS Roma at Rodney Parade on August 04, 2026 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – NOVEMBER 19: Leonardo Balerdi of Argentina controls the ball during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on November 19, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) These goals, according to Corriere dello Sport, include making at least 15 appearances, playing at least 45 minutes in each.
Balerdi is set to become the fifth Argentine player in the Roma squad, joining his compatriots Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Nahuel Molina and Santiago Castro.
Balerdi, 27, has been playing for Marseille since 2020, collecting six goals in 200 appearances with the Ligue 1 side.
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What happened
Leonardo Balerdi, the Argentine centre-back, is on the verge of a move from Olympique de Marseille to AS Roma. The transfer would bring the 25-year-old defender to Serie A, adding depth to Roma's backline. Balerdi has been a regular at Marseille in Ligue 1 and previously played for Borussia Dortmund. The deal represents a significant reinforcement for Roma as they continue to shape their squad.
Chance analysis
Balerdi's potential move to Roma addresses a long-standing need for stability at the back. The Argentine brings Ligue 1 experience and prior Bundesliga exposure, suggesting a player comfortable in top European leagues. For Marseille, the sale frees up wages and squad space, while Roma gain a young, established defender capable of slotting into a starting role immediately. This is a meaningful squad-building move in the context of Roma's Serie A ambitions.
Roma strengthen their defensive options with an experienced Ligue 1 centre-back, while Marseille lose a regular starter in central defence.