Transfers
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Balerdi to Roma: Defensive reinforcement arrives on loan
Leonardo Julián Balerdi Rosa moves from Marseille to AS Roma on a loan deal, bringing defensive depth and European experience to the Italian capital.
Leonardo Julián Balerdi Rosa has completed a loan switch from Marseille to AS Roma, arriving at the Stadio Olimpico on 2026-08-29. The 26-year-old Argentine defender brings a blend of top-flight European experience and positional versatility to Rome as the club bolsters its defensive ranks.
At a glance
- Player: Leonardo Julián Balerdi Rosa (26, Defender, Argentina)
- Move: Loan from Marseille to AS Roma (2026-08-29)
- Fee: Not disclosed (null)
Career context
Balerdi's professional journey began in Argentina with Boca Juniors, where he established himself as a promising young defender. His trajectory shifted to Europe in January 2019, when Borussia Dortmund acquired him for a reported €15M. He spent the remainder of that season and the following campaign on loan at Marseille before making the move permanent in July 2021 for €8M. At Marseille, Balerdi became a regular fixture, making over 100 appearances and helping the club secure second-place finishes in Ligue 1 during the 2021/2022 and 2024/2025 seasons. His career trophy cabinet includes the German Super Cup (2019) and the Argentine league title (2017/2018).
How he fits at his new club
Apps
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Rating
AS Roma seeks defensive reinforcement, and Balerdi's profile aligns with a system demanding high technical proficiency and tactical flexibility. Standing at 187 cm, his primary strength lies in his defensive duels, where he won 54% of his contests in the 2025 season. His technical rating of 100 reflects exceptional comfort on the ball, evidenced by a 92% pass accuracy across 2,201 passes. This makes him highly suitable for a possession-oriented setup that requires defenders to initiate attacks from the back. His ability to play across the defensive line provides tactical flexibility, allowing the manager to shift between a back three or a back four depending on the opposition.
Recent numbers
In the 2025 season, Balerdi was a mainstay for Marseille, appearing in 38 matches and starting 31 of them. He logged 2,962 minutes on the pitch, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist. Defensively, he recorded 69 tackles, 48 interceptions, and 19 blocks. His disciplinary record showed 8 yellow cards and 0 red cards. In Ligue 1 specifically, he maintained a 6.91 rating over 26 appearances, completing 1,496 passes at 92% accuracy. In the UEFA Champions League, he featured in 6 matches, earning a 6.62 rating while completing 355 passes at 89% accuracy.
Key takeaways
| Metric | Ligue 1 (2025) | UEFA Champions League (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 26 | 6 |
| Minutes Played | 1,998 | 495 |
| Pass Accuracy | 92% | 89% |
| Rating | 6.91 | 6.62 |
| Interceptions | 27 | 13 |
| Tackles | 49 | 12 |
- Defensive Volume: Balerdi averaged over 1.5 tackles and 1 interception per game in both domestic and European competitions.
- Ball-Retention Specialist: His 92% pass accuracy in Ligue 1 ranks among the highest for defenders, highlighting his distribution capabilities.
- Physical Presence: He won 160 out of 297 total duels (54%) in the 2025 season, showing resilience in physical battles.
- Discipline: Despite his aggressive defensive style, he avoided suspension, receiving only 8 yellow cards across 38 total appearances.