Leeds United transfer twist emerges after £20m Leonardo Balerdi development
Leeds United are interested in Olympique Marseille centre-back Leonardo Balerdi, but one aspect may affect a potential deal.
Daniel Farke’s team celebrated winning the Championship title with a swarm of supporters in their recent bus parade.
49ers Enterprises’ focus at Elland Road will now be on the summer transfer window, with the evident need for reinforcements after Premier League promotion.
Balerdi is being eyed by the Whites, but they could possibly have to wait until the end of the season in France to see whether they can sign him.
Marseille Champions League qualification to hinder Leeds United transfer for Balerdi
Marseille’s qualification to the Champions League could hinder the West Yorkshire outfit’s pursuit of Balerdi, according to Leeds Live.
The news outlet reports (7 May) that the Ligue 1 outfit are looking for £20million for the 26-year-old Argentine defender, but they’re on course to qualify for the top competition in European football, potentially hindering the Whites’ pursuit.
| Ligue 1 table (2024/25) | Matches played | Points |
| 1. Paris Saint-Germain | 32 | 78 |
| 2. Marseille | 32 | 59 |
| 3. AS Monaco | 32 | 58 |
| 4. OGC Nice | 32 | 57 |
| 5. LOSC Lille | 32 | 57 |
TEAMtalk reported on 6 May that Balerdi wants to move to the Premier League, but it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.
Farke’s team must add quality after winning promotion, and will need to clear a transfer obstacle to sign the Argentina international.
49ers to back Farke in summer transfer window
Paraag Marathe publicly backed Farke after speculation surrounding the German manager’s future at the West Yorkshire outfit.
The 49ers must now put their hands in their pockets at Elland Road and build a squad capable of avoiding relegation next season.
It wouldn’t make sense for the Whites’ hierarchy to go into the upcoming campaign without giving the head coach the right tools to survive immediate relegation.
Leeds needs to learn from the likes of Southampton and Leicester City, and add more quality in depth to compete and establish themselves among the top teams.
The West Yorkshire outfit’s defensive capabilities are questionable, with Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk having to play most of the 2024/25 season without proper backup.
Max Wober has faced consistent fitness issues at Elland Road, while James Debayo is still too young.
Ethan Ampadu’s return from injury was a blessing for the Whites, but even the Wales international is often out consistently with fitness issues.
Balerdi has proven his qualities in France, so it isn’t surprising that the Peacocks want him to bolster their backline.