Latest news with #LeonardoBalerdi
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Facundo Medina prefers a move to Marseille over Bayer Leverkusen
According to L'Équipe, Facundo Medina (26) prefers a potential move to Marseille this summer over other clubs interested in his services, including Bayer Leverkusen. The Lens centre back's current contract expires in 2028, but is expected to leave the Ligue 1 club should a suitable offer arrive this summer. Les Sang et Or value the Argentine international at €25m. The Artois club are yet to receive a formal offer for the 26-year-old. However, several clubs are interested in recruiting Medina, who has given his priority to Roberto De Zerbi's side in the hopes of becoming an OM player before the summer is over. Advertisement Medina has discussed the prospect of playing for Les Phocéens with his international teammate Leonardo Balerdi (26). Marseille's interest in the centre-back is mutual, yet a potential move is not set to be completed before the beginning of July for financial and administrative reasons. GFFN | Liam Wraith
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arsenal Defender Eyed By Marseille Ahead of Crucial Summer
Marseille's summer recruitment strategy is already being shaped around one pressing issue — the defence. With Roberto De Zerbi's side conceding 44 goals this season and ranking 8th in Ligue 1 defensively, bolstering the backline is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Foot Mercato French has reported a series of ambitious targets, as Medhi Benatia draws up plans to strengthen OM's spine. The Marseille faithful may be hoping for reinforcements, but financial reality and negotiating pitfalls suggest this saga could be just as dramatic as anything seen on the pitch. Lilian Brassier and Luiz Felipe were expected to deliver solidity. Instead, they've flattered to deceive, placing added pressure on Leonardo Balerdi and Geoffrey Kondogbia to hold the line. It's a situation that has prompted urgent internal analysis and aggressive scouting efforts, especially for a left-sided centre-back. 'In Marseille, experienced profiles are being studied.' Among them are Jakub Kiwior (Arsenal), Olivier Boscagli (PSV), Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr), and Ramy Bensebaini (Dortmund). These are players who have tasted international football, understand high-stakes environments, and — in theory — would represent a substantial upgrade. 'The Polish international has been followed for a long time,' Foot Mercato reports, but Arsenal may be unwilling to part with the 24-year-old. Boscagli, although reportedly interested, 'has not made a return to France a priority.' Laporte, wanted by Benatia as early as winter, remains a viable option if a deal can be structured around a free transfer. The most striking name on OM's radar is that of Facundo Medina, RC Lens' 25-year-old Argentinian defender. With 145 Ligue 1 matches under his belt and five Argentina caps, he's hardly a gamble. 'According to his compatriot Leonardo Balerdi, he's very keen to join OM,' reads the report. He's also on the cusp of becoming a French citizen — a big plus, as he'll no longer count against the club's non-EU quota. That ticks several boxes, but not the most important one: affordability. 'However, according to our information, the Artois club is expecting at least €25 million for an experienced, international player under contract until June 2028.' That figure alone might be enough to scare OM off, but Medina's salary demands — reportedly inflated by his 'very greedy' agent — have also complicated matters. This is not a summer where Marseille intends to splurge. Club officials are determined to 'set minimum prices, from which OM does not intend to deviate.' In other words, compromise or collapse. Should OM qualify for the Champions League, financial flexibility may improve. But for now, every penny counts. Matches against Le Havre and Rennes will likely define both the club's continental future and the funding available to Benatia. Still, Marseille's intent is clear. 'We are more certain of the information gathering,' Foot Mercato notes, suggesting the recruitment work is meticulous and ongoing. There's a growing buzz around OM's defensive rebuild, and rightly so. For a club that's leaked goals and lost its defensive identity, this kind of clarity and focus from Medhi Benatia is encouraging. Fans are finally seeing a recruitment plan that aims high — Laporte, Kiwior, Medina — those aren't second-tier targets. They're elite-calibre, Champions League-grade defenders. But there's also an edge of realism creeping in. Medina is perfect on paper — EU passport pending, bags of Ligue 1 experience, and clear enthusiasm to join. Yet, €25 million and a 'greedy' agent? That's déjà vu in the worst way for OM supporters, who've seen deals unravel over cash before. If we miss out because of wage demands, that'll sting. Still, this feels like a new OM — less willing to overpay, more focused on long-term financial stability. The key will be Champions League qualification. With that golden ticket, we might just land one or two of these big names. Without it, expect Plan B… or even Plan C. Let's just hope De Zerbi gets the support he needs. Because with the right defender alongside Balerdi, this team could actually challenge, not just chase.
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Leeds United given boost over ambitious summer transfer target
Leeds are striving to make several statement signings this summer after sealing their return to the Premier League via the Championship title Leeds have been handed an early transfer boost after defensive target Leonardo Balerdi refused to rule out a summer exit from Marseille. The Championship-winning Whites are eyeing a major summer splurge to bolster Daniel Farke's squad ahead of their return to the Premier League. Argentina international Balerdi is among those admired at Elland Road but Roma are also interested and crucially, the 26-year-old appears to be open to considering his options in the coming months. First though, he would like to ensure Marseille qualify for the Champions League next season as that was the French club's primary goal set by Robert De Zerbi at the beginning of the campaign. He said: "I say it every year: I'm very happy in Marseille, I feel good. I've always said I'd like to bring something back here to Marseille and I still have that goal, now, I have to focus on the last match. "After that, we'll see about the transfer window but I haven't looked at the offers. After that, I don't know. "I'd like the team to be in the Champions League and then I'll ask myself about my future.' Despite speculation over the future of Farke, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe has already confirmed the German boss will remain in Yorkshire next season. And Marathe is plotting an ambitious summer of transfers as he wants to make Leeds a force on the continental stage once again. He said earlier this week following promotion back to the top-flight: "I don't think anyone realised, this wasn't f****** easy. This was really hard to do. "Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty, makes right now that much more rewarding and what makes today so special. "I hope I never forget this moment. I want to live in this moment as much as I can. This is a journey, this is not the end. We have to keep going, this is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe." Leeds are expected to sign a new goalkeeper to rival Illan Meslier while there will also be a vast number exits with Patrick Bamford and Josuha Guilavogui among those that are poised to depart Elland Road. Keeping the club's top stars will also represent a big challenge as in previous years, they have been raided of their most-prized assets. Spurs are open to selling Leeds loanee Manor Solomon, who struck the decisive goal that fired Farke's side to the title at Plymouth on the final day, this summer following his heroic spell with the Whites. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Fox Sports
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Sloppy Marseille loses at Reims and opens the door for PSG to clinch Ligue 1 title
Associated Press Sloppy Marseille lost at struggling Reims 3-1 and opened the door for Paris Saint-Germain to possibly clinch a record-extending 13th Ligue 1 title on Saturday. A victory at Saint-Etienne would guarantee PSG the title only also if Monaco and Nice draw in Saturday's late game. Second-placed Marseille dominated before falling behind in the 29th minute. Japan forward Keito Nakamura wrong-footed defender Leonardo Balerdi inside the penalty area and curled the ball in for his ninth league goal. Careless play led to the second goal as Reims broke from midfield and Nakamura shrugged off Valentin Rongier before setting up Mamadou Diakhon for a left-foot finish. Valentin Atangana added the third and Rongier pulled one back for inconsistent Marseille, which slipped to its fourth defeat in five games. Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot was scathing about the attitude of some of his teammates. 'It's just not good enough. I get the impression of watching guys who don't want to play in the Champions League next season,' Rabiot told broadcaster beIN SPORTS. "If some players don't want to, then they should say so before the game and just not play.' It was Reims' first league win since November. Ultras protest government crackdown Several thousand Saint-Etienne fans took to the streets before their game in a protest march against French interior minister Bruno Retailleau's plan to dissolve the club's two main ultras groups, the Magic Fans and the Green Angels. Those at the front carried a giant green banner in the club's colors, which read "Le Chaudron Ne Se Dissout Pas' (The Cauldron Does Not Dissolve). The Cauldron is the nickname given to Saint-Etienne's Stade Geoffroy-Guichard because of its intense atmosphere. Club president Ivan Gazidis joined the fans and made a speech. 'I am very happy to see our city united" he said. "It's a wonderful response to this unfair process that will resolve nothing.' Other groups of ultras are also under threat of being disbanded. The French interior ministry said there has been soccer-related violence at 64 matches this season, leading to 627 arrests. ___ AP soccer:
Associated Press
29-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Sloppy Marseille loses at Reims and opens the door for PSG to clinch Ligue 1 title
Sloppy Marseille lost at struggling Reims 3-1 and opened the door for Paris Saint-Germain to possibly clinch a record-extending 13th Ligue 1 title on Saturday. A victory at Saint-Etienne would guarantee PSG the title only also if Monaco and Nice draw in Saturday's late game. Second-placed Marseille dominated before falling behind in the 29th minute. Japan forward Keito Nakamura wrong-footed defender Leonardo Balerdi inside the penalty area and curled the ball in for his ninth league goal. Careless play led to the second goal as Reims broke from midfield and Nakamura shrugged off Valentin Rongier before setting up Mamadou Diakhon for a left-foot finish. Valentin Atangana added the third and Rongier pulled one back for inconsistent Marseille, which slipped to its fourth defeat in five games. Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot was scathing about the attitude of some of his teammates. 'It's just not good enough. I get the impression of watching guys who don't want to play in the Champions League next season,' Rabiot told broadcaster beIN SPORTS. 'If some players don't want to, then they should say so before the game and just not play.' It was Reims' first league win since November. Ultras protest government crackdown Several thousand Saint-Etienne fans took to the streets before their game in a protest march against French interior minister Bruno Retailleau's plan to dissolve the club's two main ultras groups, the Magic Fans and the Green Angels. Those at the front carried a giant green banner in the club's colors, which read 'Le Chaudron Ne Se Dissout Pas' (The Cauldron Does Not Dissolve). The Cauldron is the nickname given to Saint-Etienne's Stade Geoffroy-Guichard because of its intense atmosphere. Club president Ivan Gazidis joined the fans and made a speech. 'I am very happy to see our city united' he said. 'It's a wonderful response to this unfair process that will resolve nothing.' Other groups of ultras are also under threat of being disbanded. The French interior ministry said there has been soccer-related violence at 64 matches this season, leading to 627 arrests. ___
