Balerdi’s departure from Marseille edges closer this summer

The fate of Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi appears sealed as the Olympique de Marseille (OM) faces mounting pressure to offload key players following a disappointing season. After failing to secure a spot in next year’s UEFA Champions League, the club’s leadership is now prioritizing squad overhaul—with Balerdi high on the list of players set to leave.

Once deemed untouchable by club executives during the last transfer window, the 27-year-old’s situation has shifted dramatically. Poor performances on the pitch and the club’s financial constraints have now made his exit inevitable. Internal sources confirm that terms for his transfer have already been finalized, though the destination remains undisclosed.

Clubs line up for the Argentine defender

With Balerdi’s contract running until June 2028, several top European clubs have reportedly expressed serious interest in securing his services. While his exact future remains under wraps, Juventus, AS Rome, Nottingham Forest, and Atlético de Madrid are among the clubs actively pursuing the defender.

Player remains tight-lipped but departure seems certain

Speaking to BFM Marseille after OM’s final league match against Stade Rennais, Balerdi adopted a cautious stance when asked about his future with the club: « We’ll see. I don’t know yet. For now, I’m here, but we’ll see. » His ambiguity did little to mask the underlying certainty—his days at the Stade Vélodrome are numbered.

Insiders close to the matter reveal that Balerdi and OM reached an agreement weeks ago, with the player’s exit expected to be formalized in the coming weeks. The club’s financial struggles and the need to rebalance the squad have made this move unavoidable, setting the stage for a high-stakes transfer saga.