Olympique Marseille Want to Keep Captain Balerdi Despite Transfer Interest

Olympique Marseille are determined to keep Leonardo Balerdi. The club has a plan to resist offers for their captain. Despite interest from top European clubs, Marseille do not want to sell the defender.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Marseille have contact from clubs like Juventus and Newcastle United for Balerdi. But the club does not want to talk about him leaving. Reports in Italy say Juventus asked about the 26-year-old, but Marseille would not discuss a transfer. Balerdi’s contract runs until June 2028. He has become key to Marseille, playing in 44 games last season and being captain. The club sees him as untouchable this window. Marseille want to build a strong defense around him for the new season.

According to a previous report, Balerdi’s contract runs until June 2028.

WHY BALERDI IS SO IMPORTANT TO MARSEILLE

Balerdi’s role as captain shows he is very important to Marseille. He joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2020. Now he has played 164 times and scored once last season. His leadership has helped the team during a tough Ligue 1 season. Marseille finished second in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season and qualified for the Champions League. Balerdi’s form was a bright spot, with strong defense helping the club concede fewer goals than many rivals.

Olympique Marseille finished second in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season and qualified for the Champions League.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MARSEILLE AND BALERDI?

As preseason starts, Marseille are getting ready for the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season. They want to finish in the top five and qualify for Europe. They begin against Rennes, who finished 13th last season. With Balerdi set to stay, Marseille want to add in other areas instead of replacing key players. The club remains watchful as the transfer window continues, but their stance on Balerdi staying will likely not change unless a huge offer arrives.

Olympique Marseille’s first official match of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season is against Rennes.