Olympique de Marseille are stepping up their attempts to offload players as the end of the transfer window nears. Foot Mercato understands that the French club have offered Leonardo Balerdi to Fulham FC.
Balerdi is one of the most bankable players in OM’s squad and one that they are desperate to sell, as the club looks to abide by promises made to the DNCG and UEFA with regard to player sales. The Argentina international is coming off the back of a difficult season, during which he was stripped of the captain’s armband. At a pre-season friendly at the Vélodrome last week, he was booed by his own fans as his mistakes gifted Atletico Madrid victory.
Fulham submit Natan offer
Foot Mercato now understands that Unique Sports, whom OM have mandated to offload players within their squad – have offered Balerdi to Fulham. It is hoped that these efforts will give rise to a bid. All the while, the publication adds, the Premier League club continue to hold talks to sign Abdelhamid Ait-Boudlal. Thus far, Stade Rennais have shown themselves to be reluctant to strike a deal. Fulham have also submitted an offer for Real Betis’ Natan.
Leonardo Balerdi has made 160 appearances in Europe’s top five leagues across his career with Borussia Dortmund and Olympique de Marseille, recording 4 goals, 2 assists, and 25 clean sheets.
The 27-year-old Argentine centre-back serves as a core defensive presence for his club, though he has faced recent scrutiny from supporters following a 2-1 pre-season club friendly loss against Atlético Madrid.
2025–2026 Advanced Defensive & Passing Metrics (Ligue 1)
Passing Accuracy: 92% (1,250 of 1,354 completed passes)
Clearances: 145 total (approx. 4.43 per 90 minutes)
Tackles: 13 successful tackles out of 17 attempted
Interceptions & Defensive Blocks: 11 interceptions and 14 blocks
Fouls Committed: 22
International Career (Argentina)
Balerdi has earned 11 caps for the Argentina national football team. He featured in 7 qualifying matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualification cycle. While he earned a spot on Argentina’s official 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a calf injury sustained in early June forced him to withdraw shortly before the tournament began.
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