Leeds handed major boost in bid to sign Leonardo Balerdi as exit news emerges
Leeds United’s chase for Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi has received a huge boost.
The Whites are set to back Daniel Farke to improve his squad after the German secured the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League.
The gap between the divisions is at an all-time high and the quality of the Elland Road outfit’s business in the summer transfer window could define their survival chances.
Balerdi makes exit admission as Leeds step up interest
Ethan Ampadu is considered one of the only Peacocks stars who is ready for the top-flight by the hierarchy in Yorkshire, so a deal for Balerdi would add much-needed experience to Farke’s backline.
A report from the Sunday Mirror’s print edition (11 May, page 69) claims that the Whites are ready for a “major” splash in the market and that their pursuit of the Argentine has been handed a big boost.
It states that the defender has refused to rule out a summer move away from the Stade Velodrome outfit.
He said: “I’m happy in Marseille and I’d like to bring something back here, so I have to focus to the last match.
“After that, I don’t know. I’d like the team to be in the Champions League, then I’ll ask myself about the future.”
Leeds need to wrap up Balerdi deal
With Farke’s future resolved after speculation that he would be sacked, the Whites can now focus on transfers as they prepare for a return to the elite level for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign.
The 26-year-old would be a great addition because he has experience playing in the Champions League and one of Europe’s top-five leagues.
| Competition | Balerdi appearances |
| Ligue 1 | 125 |
| Champions League | 10 |
| Coupe de France | 11 |
| Europa League | 14 |
He has made 11 appearances in Europe’s elite competition and over 100 in Ligue 1 and would add valuable experience to the squad in LS11.
Since moving to Les Phocéens from Borussia Dortmund, he has earned the captaincy with the French outfit and shown his ability with the ball at his feet and defensively and could prove an upgrade on the likes of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon.
The fact that he is uncertain about his future could allow the Yorkshiremen to pounce and strike a deal to bring him to England.
There is every chance that the four-cap Argentina international can adapt to the English game as he has proved his adaptability when moving from Germany to France.
One thing is for sure, the Whites are set for an exciting window and are targeting the right kind of players to boost their survival bid.