Bayer Leverkusen interest rejected by Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi

Bayer Leverkusen interest rejected by Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi Bayer Leverkusen have explored a potential move for Olympique de Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi (27), according to a report from La Provence. The Argentina international has informed Marseille’s new management team, led by president Stéphane Richard and sporting director Grégory Lorenzi, that he would like to leave the Stade Vélodrome this summer. Balerdi is not currently interested in a return to Germany, where he previously represented Borussia Dortmund. The centre-back would instead prefer to continue his career in another major European league. Balerdi initially joined Marseille on loan from Dortmund in 2020 before completing a permanent move one year later. After six seasons in Provence, he reportedly believes that the time has come to seek a new challenge. Marseille considered Balerdi non-transferable last summer but are now prepared to listen to offers. Yet the defender remains under contract until 2028 and is reportedly among the five highest-paid members of the squad, earning an estimated €350,000 per month. Leverkusen’s interest comes amid talks over another Marseille centre-back, Facundo Medina (27). The Bundesliga club have opened discussions regarding a potential transfer for the former RC Lens defender , according to Le Phocéen. OM are not completely opposed to Medina leaving but are demanding approximately €20m, roughly the amount they paid to sign him from Lens last summer. Leverkusen had also followed Medina during his time at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Medina made 26 appearances in all competitions during his first season in Marseille, although his campaign was disrupted by several fitness problems. Balerdi, meanwhile, has resumed training after recovering from the calf injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. He is expected to feature in Marseille’s friendly against Nîmes on Thursday, although his future will still remain up in the air.  GFFN | George Boxall