Here we go! Roma close a major defensive deal in France
Roma have moved quickly to secure a major reinforcement for their defensive line.
Details: According to Fabrizio Romano, Roma have reached an agreement with Marseille for Argentine centre-back Leonardo Balerdi. The transfer will initially take the form of a paid loan and will include an option to buy, which can become an obligation if certain conditions are met.
The negotiations accelerated rapidly after the clubs had already been discussing the structure of the deal. Romano reported a day earlier that Balerdi had agreed personal terms with Roma, wanted the move and was waiting for the two clubs to complete negotiations.
The agreement has now been reached, and the 27-year-old defender is expected to travel to Rome this weekend to complete the next stages of the transfer. The move also comes shortly after Roma's deal for Jayden Oosterwolde collapsed following additional medical examinations, forcing the Italian club to look for another option in defence.
It's worth noting that Balerdi made 36 appearances for Marseille in all competitions during the 2025/26 season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Transfermarkt's latest valuation puts the Argentine centre-back at €18 million, while his Marseille contract runs until June 2028.
Reminder: Deal off at the last second! Roma pull the plug on defensive signing
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
