Juventus Target Balerdi Again as Competition Grows
Juventus have come back to an old idea. Leonardo Balerdi, the Olympique Marseille defender they tried to prise away in the summer of 2025, is back on their agenda – and this time the race is far more crowded.
Back then, Juventus pushed. Marseille simply said no. The French club shut the door on any departure and Balerdi stayed put at the Vélodrome, his future effectively decided for him.
That stance is softening.
Marseille open the door
At the end of the current season, Marseille are now understood to be willing to listen to offers for the Argentine’s signature. Inside Juventus, that shift is being treated as a genuine opening, a chance to revive a deal that never really left their thoughts.
The Turin hierarchy are preparing a new approach for the defender in the upcoming transfer window, encouraged by the prospect that Marseille will at least sit at the table this time.
The context, though, has changed.
Roma and Atlético join the chase
Juventus are no longer alone. Across Europe, interest in Balerdi has grown, and the competition is expected to be far fiercer than during that first attempt.
According to Tuttojuve, Roma and Atlético Madrid are among the clubs now tracking the centre-back as they look to reinforce their defensive lines. Both clubs are monitoring his situation closely, weighing up a move that would take him away from Ligue 1 and into another major league.
What was once a relatively clear path for Juventus has turned into a three‑way, and potentially wider, battle.
Juve banking on their Marseille connection
Juventus still believe they can win it.
The Bianconeri are confident that their established relationship with Marseille could count for something when negotiations begin. That existing channel between the clubs is seen in Turin as a possible edge in a tight market, a lever that might help smooth talks and keep them at the front of the queue.
But this saga will not be decided solely in boardrooms.
Balerdi’s call
The key figure is Balerdi himself. The final decision is expected to rest heavily with the player, whose view of his next step will shape the entire operation.
His assessment of the sporting projects on offer – style of play, role, competition, and trajectory – is likely to prove decisive. Juventus, Roma and Atlético can prepare proposals and lean on relationships, but Balerdi’s own choice is set to define where he plays his football next season.
Juventus, for their part, must also juggle their own squad puzzle. Potential sales in the summer window may be required before they can move formally for the defender, adding another layer of timing and strategy to an already delicate pursuit.
One thing is clear: this time, if Balerdi leaves Marseille, he will not be short of options. The question now is whether Juventus can turn long-standing interest into a signature before a rival steals in.
