May 20, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Leonardo Balerdi set to leave Olympique de Marseille after summer transfer talks

Following a challenging season at Olympique de Marseille (OM), several key players are expected to depart the club, which failed to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League. Among them, Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi appears to be on the verge of leaving. Internal discussions have already concluded regarding his transfer, with multiple European clubs reportedly interested in the 27-year-old, who remains under contract until June 2028.

Leonardo Balerdi playing for Olympique de Marseille

The Argentine international has struggled to find consistency during his time at the Stade Vélodrome, a factor that has weighed heavily on his future with the club. Despite being deemed intransferable during the previous summer transfer window, financial constraints and sporting discontent have now shifted the odds firmly in favor of his departure. Club insiders confirm the decision has been finalized internally, marking a definitive end to Balerdi’s Marseille chapter.

Confirmed departure: Balerdi’s next destination imminent

Recent reports indicate that Leonardo Balerdi’s exit is not just a possibility but an inevitability. In a live YouTube broadcast, journalist Sébastien Denis stated with certainty: “Balerdi will leave within weeks. He reached an agreement with Marseille weeks ago.” This declaration aligns with prior insights from journalist Florent Germain, who noted that both the player’s representatives and the club are aligned on facilitating a transfer. While the specific clubs involved and the final destination remain undisclosed, negotiations are actively underway.

Potential destinations emerge for the Argentine defender

Balerdi’s future remains a topic of speculation, but top European sides are already circling. According to insider accounts, clubs such as Juventus, AS Roma, Nottingham Forest, and Atlético Madrid have expressed serious interest in securing his services. The defender’s own comments following OM’s season-ending match against Stade Rennais hinted at uncertainty, as he stated: “We’ll see. I don’t know yet. For now, I’m here, but we’ll see.”