Leonardo Balerdi deemed ‘untouchable’ by Marseille despite Serie A interest | OneFootball

Marseille have no intention of selling Leonardo Balerdi this summer, despite growing interest from Serie A sides including Juventus and Roma, according to La Provence.

Balerdi has become a mainstay for OM in defence under Roberto De Zerbi, who named him club captain midway through last season and continues to rely heavily on his presence. The former Borussia Dortmund defender extended his contract until 2028 last summer and will lead the side into their fourth Champions League campaign in five years.De Zerbi joked mid-season at a press conference attended by Get French Football News that he hoped “Europe’s top clubs never realise Balerdi exists.” His wish has not been granted, as Juventus and Roma have both been linked in recent weeks. Roma, now led by Florent Ghisolfi with Frédéric Massara expected to arrive, are reportedly monitoring him closely. Juventus, meanwhile, may reassess their options following changes at executive level, including the appointment of Damien Comolli, formerly of Toulouse.Club sources have told La Provence that Balerdi is considered non-transferable under any circumstances. While a bid approaching or even exceeding the club’s record €39m sale of Michy Batshuayi to Chelsea in 2016 might once have tempted the hierarchy, the position today is firm: Balerdi is not for sale—regardless of the offer.GFFN | George Boxall