Meet Leonardo Balerdi: The Defender On Leeds’ Radar

Leeds United’s 100-point title-winning season holds one distinctive benefit.

Rather than preparing for another dreaded campaign in the playoffs, they have that time to rest, rejuvenate and recruit for the Premier League season ahead of them. By the looks of things, Leeds have certainly got the recruitment aspect underway.

The Whites are said to have their eyes on Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi to strengthen their sturdy back line. Whilst the 26-year-old’s future with his current employers is uncertain, it seems like the perfect time for a newly promoted Leeds to swoop in for the defender.

🗞️ Leeds United have been linked with Marseille centre back, Leonardo Balerdi (26).#LUFC | @reluctantnicko pic.twitter.com/2Wvr4pzG6B

— All Day LUFC (@AllDayLUFC) May 4, 2025

Who Is He?

Despite approaching his tenth season of senior football, Leonardo Balerdi has surprisingly not yet made over 200 appearances in the sport. However, the six-time Argentinian international has displayed exceptional performances in Ligue 1 in recent years, aiding Marseille’s elevated trajectory. Before delving into that, lets trace it back to where it all started.

Balerdi kickstarted his career in is home country with Boca Juniors at the age of just 19. The teenager rose to fame in Argentinian football, swiftly becoming one of the country’s most promising youngsters. This status soon earned the defender his breakthrough, when in January 2019 he signed for European giants Borussia Dortmund for fees upwards of €15 million. His journey with the Black and Yellows was short lived though, as eight senior appearances in Germany saw him sent on loan to Marseille for a season.

Leonardo Balerdi will join Olympique de Marseille on loan for the upcoming season.

Wishing you the best of luck, Leo! pic.twitter.com/4mxl8mUvg2

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) July 21, 2020

The Argentine impressed in France, making 25 appearances in all competitions on his loan - even scoring a couple. Once the loan deal expired in the summer of 2021, Marseille were quick to trigger the ‘option to buy’ clause for €15 million likewise. In the four years following, Balerdi has made France his home, playing week in, week out for the Olympians. The 26-year-old has even grabbed hold of the captain’s armband, whilst steering his team towards Champions League football.

Playstyle

Leonardo Balerdi is everything you want from a defender. Whilst towering above many players in height, the centre-back copes exceptionally well in the air by winning mass amounts of headers and duels. His statistics demonstrate this, by way of a 64% aerial duel win rate, as well as 58% for ground duels.

(Marseille Defensive Stats: by Opta)

You would think one who is so powerful in the air would lack in other defensive areas, but not Balerdi. His instinct to throw in a tackle makes the Argentine extremely tough to beat in one-on-one situations, shown by his 2.06 tackles per 90 minutes, 1.32 interceptions and 2.88 clearances. Most importantly, the defender remains explicitly disciplined in the meantime. He commits 1.07 fouls per 90 minutes, a number which is ranked 16th within the Marseille squad.

However, a sore patch of Balerdi’s game is that the captain struggles to contribute to Marseille’s goalscoring. With neither any goals nor assists this season, it is one of the 26-year-old’s lowest attacking outcomes to date. However, his lack of scoring has deceived Balerdi’s assistance in creating chances and goals. He has an excellence in playing the ball out from the back, which helps Marseille to drive play up the pitch and score so many goals – like they have this season. The Argentine is one of the club’s best passers, with 2287 successful passes this season and a 94% passing accuracy. This clearly showcases Leonardo Balerdi’s ability to help generate chances for the team.

(Leonardo Balerdi Pass Map and Stats: by Opta)

Leeds’ Interest

Despite obtaining one of the best defensive records in the Championship this season, with key players such as Rodon, Ampadu and Struijk, Leeds United have identified Leonardo Balerdi as one of their key targets for the summer transfer window. Reports suggest that a fee upwards of £20 million would need to be splurged on the 26-year-old. However, regardless of the fee, investment should be the main focus for Leeds heading back into a Premier League which has regurgitated newly promoted sides as of late.

Balerdi himself has also left a window of uncertainty wide open regarding his future. Whilst maintaining full focus on Marseille’s Champions League ambitions, the defender has not denied any outcome in which he jumps ship this summer. With many clubs across Europe interested in the Argentine, yet potential Champions League football on the cards with Marseille, the 26-year-old certainly has a tough decision to make.

🚨 Bayern are interested in Marseille centre-back Leonardo Balerdi.

➡️ Kompany was in Paris to watch him.
➡️ Balerdi’s contract is valid until 2028.#fcbayern [@livefootfr] pic.twitter.com/5Yd6FKkC83

— Marcel Moeller (@mmarcelandreas) March 23, 2025