Juventus Eye Leonardo Balerdi as European Rivals Join the Chase

Juventus have circled Leonardo Balerdi’s name before. In the summer of 2025 they pushed hard to prise him away from Olympique Marseille, only to be firmly shut down by the French club, who refused to sanction his departure. The Argentine stayed put. The door slammed, at least for that window.

Now it’s creaking open.

With the current season drawing to a close, Marseille are understood to be ready to listen to offers for the defender. That shift has immediately reignited Juventus’ interest and prompted plans in Turin for a fresh move in the next transfer window. Inside the club, the change of stance from Marseille is being read as a rare piece of encouragement in a tight market.

A hotter market, tougher race

When Juventus first tried to land Balerdi, they were among the few seriously at the table. That advantage has gone. Across Europe, clubs are tracking the 25-year-old’s situation, turning what was once a relatively contained pursuit into a full-scale contest.

According to Tuttojuve, Roma and Atlético Madrid have now joined the chase. Both clubs are assessing Balerdi as they look to reinforce their back lines and are monitoring his availability with a view to a possible move away from Marseille.

The dynamic is clear: more bidders, more leverage for Marseille, and a more complex deal for anyone hoping to win the race.

Juventus lean on Marseille ties – but player holds the key

Juventus have not backed away. They remain determined to bring Balerdi to Turin and believe their existing relationship with Marseille could still count for something when negotiations begin. The Bianconeri are banking on that connection to smooth talks and keep them competitive against rivals who may be able to move faster or offer different sporting projects.

But the balance of power will not sit only between boardrooms.

Those close to the situation expect Balerdi himself to have a decisive say in where he plays next. His reading of the options on the table – the role on offer, the league, the trajectory of each club – is likely to shape the outcome more than any single negotiation tactic. This is not a case of a player being quietly traded in the background; his preference will weigh heavily on the final decision.

Squad surgery in Turin

There is another layer for Juventus to solve. Any serious bid for Balerdi will be tied to what they manage to do with their own squad in the summer. Outgoings may be required before they can commit to a formal offer, both to balance the books and to clear space in a defensive unit already under review.

So the chase is set: Juventus pushing to revive an old target, Roma and Atlético Madrid ready to pounce, Marseille finally open for business, and a defender whose choice could tilt the balance of power in one club’s back line for years to come.