Marseille’s Balerdi rejects Leverkusen bid as financial pressures mount

Olympique de Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi has rejected a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, compounding the French club’s urgent need to raise funds. The German club submitted a bid exceeding €25 million, plus bonuses, in the spring, but the Argentine international was unwilling to move to the Bundesliga side.

The 27-year-old, who began the season as club captain, remains a significant asset for the club. According to L’Équipe, the departure did not proceed due to Balerdi’s reluctance, despite the financial pressures facing the French outfit. A move is still anticipated, but the timeline has been disrupted by recent events.

Balerdi subsequently suffered a calf injury, ruling him out of the ongoing FIFA World Cup with Argentina. Although included in the national squad, the defender will not participate in the tournament. This absence is currently delaying any potential departure or new transfer negotiations as the club navigates the competition.

Marseille are desperate to secure liquidity this summer to address their financial difficulties. The club narrowly avoided exclusion from next season’s European competitions after UEFA handed down a suspended sentence. However, the club faces a ban if its financial situation does not improve by next summer.

In the broader context of asset management, Mason Greenwood is identified as the club’s most bankable asset. AS Roma have shown interest in the former Manchester United forward, though he is considered difficult to sell. With Balerdi’s departure stalled by injury and the World Cup, the club continues to seek solutions to meet its financial obligations.