Leonardo Balerdi, the Argentine centre-back and current captain of Olympique Marseille, has emerged as a prime target for Juventus as they look to bolster their defence. Ilbianconero report how the 26-year-old, often compared to Leonardo Bonucci for his vision and ball-playing ability and to Andrea Barzagli for his defensive solidity, has caught the eye of Juventus coach Igor Tudor, who previously worked with him at Marseille.
Who is Leonardo Balerdi?
Born in 1999 in Argentina, Balerdi began his career as a central midfielder before moving into defence, a transition that has shaped his style of play. After developing at Boca Juniors and making his first-team debut in 2018, he moved to Borussia Dortmund in January 2019. His real breakthrough, however, came after joining Marseille in 2020, where he has since become a key figure and now serves as captain. Balerdi is also a regular for the Argentine national team.
Juventus’ Interest and Tudor’s Endorsement
Juventus have long admired Balerdi’s qualities and see him as a valuable addition to their back line. Igor Tudor, who coached Balerdi during his time at Marseille, is particularly keen on a reunion, valuing the defender’s reliability and tactical intelligence. Balerdi made 44 appearances under Tudor, further cementing their strong working relationship.
The Marseille Obstacle
Despite Juventus’ clear interest and Tudor’s push for the transfer, Marseille are proving to be a significant obstacle. The French club, now managed by Roberto De Zerbi, considers Balerdi indispensable, especially with a Champions League campaign on the horizon. Marseille have reportedly set his valuation at €50 million and are currently unwilling to negotiate a sale. Their stance is reinforced by Balerdi’s contract, which runs until June 2028, and his status as a cornerstone of the team.
A Difficult Path Ahead
Juventus have reached out to Marseille to explore the possibility of a transfer, but so far, the French side has shown no willingness to discuss a deal. The Bianconeri remain persistent, as strengthening the defense is a strategic priority, but the path to signing Balerdi is steep. Marseille’s determination to keep their captain reflects their broader ambition to maintain a competitive squad for both domestic and European challenges.
