Leonardo Balerdi has been named as a potential summer transfer target for Leeds United as they prepare to return to the Premier League. A report in The Sun earlier this month suggested that the Whites had sent scouts to France to check out the Marseille centre-back.
Balerdi has been a regular starter since joining the French giants from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. The former Boca Juniors defender has enjoyed a stellar campaign, playing a major role in Marseille securing Champions League next season. Les Olympiens are second in Ligue 1 and host Rennes in their final league fixture tonight.
Balerdi, capped six times by Argentina, has also attracted transfer interest from Italian club Roma. He has clocked up 26 league appearances this term and it is thought Marseille are keen on retaining one of their prized assets going into the 2025/26 season.
When asked about speculation linking Balerdi with a move away, Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “There’s the president and the sporting director; they’re the ones best placed to answer that.
"The aim is to get stronger. We weren’t playing in Europe this season, so we had to achieve our objective, it was vital. After the season, we’ll see how we can strengthen the team. Leo is a pillar of the squad.”
United manager Daniel Farke is eager to increase competition for places at centre-back. His options currently consist of Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Max Wober, Ethan Ampadu and James Debayo. Farke regards club captain Ampadu's best position as central midfield while youngster Debayo has barely figured at senior level.
Both Struijk and Wober also missed their fair share of matches last term due to injury issues. Rodon was an ever-present and barely put a foot wrong in their successful title charge.
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