Info RMC Sport – Discussions between OM and Leonardo Balerdi for a two-year contract extension are progressing very well. Roberto De Zerbi, who should become the Olympian coach in the coming hours, is counting on the Argentine defender, who is motivated by the idea of staying in Marseille.
Long under fire from critics at the start of his Olympian adventure, he became one of the favorite players of Marseille supporters last season. Leonardo Balerdi has left to stay in Marseille, as the expression goes. The Argentinian defender received at the end of the season a proposal for a two-year contract extension, with a significant salary increase, which would extend his commitment to OM until June 2028. According to our information, the discussions are progressing very well and his extension is “on the right track”.
> Follow the latest information from the summer transfer window on RMC Sport
Balerdi, reference player and unifier
Pablo Longoria and Medhi Benatia very quickly explained to Balerdi that they were very satisfied with his performances and his progress, and that the idea was now to see him stay at least one more year in Marseille so that he could asserts himself as an indisputable leader. The Olympian club is preparing a wave of departures this summer, to stick to the Roberto De Zerbi style, reduce the payroll and start a new project, but the Marseille club wants to rely on a few “reference” players. Balerdi loves OM, feels good in Marseille and often acts as a unifier on a daily basis in the locker room, thanks to his good humor, his mastery of Spanish and now French, as well as a certain seniority. If his extension is confirmed, Balerdi will more than ever have a role as captain within the squad.
Only an offer from a huge club could change the situation
The profile of Léo Balerdi also really appeals to Roberto De Zerbi, wanting to be able to count on lively defenders, strong in anticipation and good restarters. Arriving in Marseille this afternoon, with his staff and his right-hand man Giovanni Rossi, the Italian technician will participate in several working meetings with OM leaders. But, in his mind, the Balerdi case is clear: De Zerbi wants to keep him. The Argentinian, who arrived in Marseille in 2020, is motivated by the idea of working with the Italian coach and views his arrival very favorably. The contract linking the Argentinian to OM until 2028 is therefore almost ready, Balerdi has confirmed to the club that he wants to stay and the two parties are close to an agreement on salary. A single event could modify the plans of OM and the player: an offer that neither Balerdi (if it is a top European club), nor the club (in the event of an XXL offer) could refuse. This is not the trend, OM is not thinking about it and is orienting its defensive recruitment… around Leonardo Balerdi.
