Roma make offer for Marseille defender Balerdi
Quick summary
Roma have reportedly submitted an offer to Olympique Marseille for Argentine centre-back Leonardo Balerdi as they look to reinforce their defence.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRoma have made a formal offer for Olympique Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi, claim multiple sources, on loan with option to buy.
The Giallorossi had been seeking a versatile defender and did pick up Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce , but abandoned the transfer when issues were flagged during the medical.
Balerdi now top of Roma list 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) Footmercato were the first to report this afternoon that Roma had dived in for Balerdi with a written proposal to Marseille.
That news was then confirmed by Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and more.
It is believed to be a loan with option to buy at the end of the season, which can become an obligation if certain conditions are met.
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) If Roma have financial parameters to stick to this summer, then Olympique Marseille are in an even worse situation, desperate to make sales and reduce the wage bill to avoid running into serious penalties.
Balerdi joined the Ligue 1 side in 2020 from Borussia Dortmund, having previously represented Boca Juniors.
He has 11 senior caps for Argentina, although he was not in the World Cup squad for 2022 or 2026.
Roma and Juventus had already been linked with a potential swoop for the 27-year-old in recent months.
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What happened
Roma have tabled an offer for Leonardo Balerdi to Olympique Marseille, according to reports. The Argentine centre-back has been a key figure at Marseille and would bring Serie A experience from his time at Borussia Dortmund and Boca Juniors. Roma are seeking defensive reinforcement, and the negotiations will depend on Marseille's valuation. The move would represent a significant defensive overhaul for the Giallorossi ahead of the new campaign.
Chance analysis
Roma's reported pursuit of Leonardo Balerdi signals a clear intent to reshape their defensive line. The Argentine, who has developed into a reliable Ligue 1 centre-back at Marseille, offers both physicality and ball-playing ability — qualities Roma have lacked at the back. Marseille's willingness to negotiate will depend on their own defensive depth and the financial terms on the table. If completed, this would be one of Roma's marquee defensive signings of the window and would reflect their broader ambition under their current project.
A potential upgrade to Roma's centre-back options, while Marseille would lose a key defender if the deal goes through.