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3 clusters · 12 sources · 18 days · First seen · Last updated

Leonardo Balerdi transfer to AS Roma

Overview

Leonardo Balerdi transferred from Olympique de Marseille to AS Roma on a loan deal that includes a mandatory purchase option valued at approximately 20 million euros. The move followed a period of declining market value for the Argentine defender due to physical struggles and disappointing performances during the 2025-2026 season.

Following his arrival, Balerdi has made a positive impact at Roma. After a 2-0 victory against Torino, coach Gasperini praised the defender’s physical strength and aggression, comparing his playstyle to Franco Baresi. Balerdi’s performance in that match included six clearances, three recoveries, and winning five out of nine aerial duels.

Balerdi has since maintained this form, providing notable displays against Inter as well. While Gasperini’s comparison to Baresi was significant, Balerdi responded with humility, stating he must “remain calm and continue working.” He noted that joining Roma was a long-held ambition fueled by his admiration for the club’s history and colors.

Reflecting on his departure from Marseille after six seasons, Balerdi described his tenure there as a “love-hate relationship,” noting that while he received fan support, he also faced intense criticism and was booed during a friendly against Atletico Madrid. He stated that the move to Italy was driven by a desire for a new environment, remarking, “I felt it was the time because 6 years in a club is a lot, but six years at OM is something not everyone does at this time.”

Entities

AS Roma · Olympique de Marseille · Leonardo Balerdi · Gian Piero Gasperini · Borussia Dortmund

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Leonardo Balerdi finds success at AS Roma after Marseille departure

    Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi is excelling at AS Roma following his move from Marseille, earning praise from coach Gian Piero Gasperini and comparisons to legend Franco Baresi.

  2. 8 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Leonardo Balerdi impresses at AS Roma

    AS Roma defender Leonardo Balerdi is earning praise for his defensive performance, with coach Gasperini highlighting his physical strength and technical ability following a win against Torino.

  3. 21 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Leonardo Balerdi joins AS Roma from Olympique de Marseille

    Leonardo Balerdi has joined AS Roma from Olympique de Marseille on a loan deal with a mandatory 20 million euro purchase option following a decline in his market value.

Sources

coeurmarseillais.fr · cronachedi.it · elintransigente.com · fanpage.it · football.fr · football365.fr · footballclubdemarseille.fr · frenchfootballweekly.com · livefoot.fr · ommercato.com · tuttoasroma.it · tuttomercatoweb.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history