The once-promising transfer story of Leonardo Balerdi at Olympique de Marseille is now spiraling into financial chaos for the club. While the Argentine defender’s exit is confirmed behind closed doors, a shocking revelation about a rejected €25 million offer has exposed Marseille’s staggering loss.
The club’s master plan shattered by injury
Marseille had meticulously planned Balerdi’s departure to maximize financial gains, betting on his exposure during the 2026 World Cup. The club’s hierarchy, led by President Pablo Longoria, anticipated that the defender’s participation in the global tournament would drive up his market value. However, fate had other plans. Just before the squad announcement, Balerdi suffered a severe calf injury, forcing him to withdraw from the World Cup and derailing Marseille’s financial strategy.
A €25 million offer crushed by personal choice
The regret is even more bitter because Marseille had secured a concrete €25 million bid from Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the spring. According to insider accounts, the German club had tabled a firm offer, complete with easily attainable performance bonuses, to sign the former Borussia Dortmund player. To everyone’s astonishment, Balerdi himself rejected the proposal outright. The Argentine defender, hailing from Villa Mercedes, showed no interest in returning to the Bundesliga.
Market value plummets by €10 million
Balerdi’s unexpected rejection has dealt a severe blow to Marseille’s finances. Combined with his World Cup withdrawal, the player’s market value has plummeted within weeks. Facing urgent liquidity needs, the club had no choice but to drastically lower its demands. Now, Marseille is settling for just €15 million—a €10 million discount that couldn’t come at a worse time on the Canebière.
