AS Roma to sign Marseille centre-back Leonardo Balerdi

Serie A side AS Roma have agreed a deal with Olympique de Marseille to sign Argentina international centre-back Leonardo Balerdi (27), according to Fabrizio Romano. The Giallorossi and OM have reached an agreement on an initial paid loan with a buy option that is set to become mandatory under certain conditions.

Balerdi was expected to leave the financially-troubled Phocéens this summer. Marseille head coach Bruno Genesio confirmed that Balerdi won’t make the matchday squad for tomorrow’s away Ligue 1 game to AS Monaco.

Balerdi featured 200 times for Marseille, a club that he joined in 2020 – initially on loan – from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. Balerdi was Marseille’s captain for the past two seasons. Romano adds that Balerdi is expected to land in Roma over the weekend to undergo a medical and complete the formalities for his transfer.