Marseille ready to accept £38m as Leeds to bid ‘soon’ for Leonardo Balerdi
Leeds United look set to submit a bid to Marseille for Leonardo Balerdi ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Whites are destined for a busy few months at Elland Road after earning a place in the Premier League for the next campaign.
This is bound to result in a number of fresh faces in Daniel Farke’s squad as the German looks to bring his side up to the level of the top division.
The window could be set to kick start as a bid is prepared for Marseille defender Balerdi, as interest in his signature continues.
Leeds United preparing Balerdi bid
There is no doubt that the LS11 club had a positive season in the second tier, but they face a rude awakening after securing promotion.
This comes after six of the last six promoted sides have all been instantly relegated after just a single year of action in the Premier League.
As a result, investment in the Whites’ side is going to be much needed to help build a squad ready to compete in the division.
It appears that Leeds aren’t messing around in their attempts to do exactly that with links to Balerdi continuing ahead of the summer.
Foot Mercato reported on 9 May that the Yorkshire club will “soon” submit an offer to Marseille for the Argentine international defender.
The Ligue 1 outfit would reportedly be willing to let the 26-year-old depart the Stade Velodrome, but are demanding a fee of £38million for his services.
Leeds United set to ignite summer window with Balerdi
It does appear that Farke is in need of defenders ahead of the new season, despite the qualities of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
With that being said, there is a need for true top-level experience, and it is fair to say that Balerdi possesses that at 26.
The Argentine has featured for Boca Juniors and Borussia Dortmund before his move to France, playing in top divisions for all of these sides.
| Year(s) | Club | Appearances |
| 2018 | Boca Juniors | 5 |
| 2019-20 | Borussia Dortmund | 20 |
| 2020-present | Marseille | 162 |
This could serve him well if he were to move to Elland Road as the Whites look to back the centre-back with a sizable fee.
With him and Beto from Everton linked with an LS11 switch, it could set to be a busy and exciting window for Leeds fans this summer.