Newcastle United must look elsewhere for a new centre-back after Marseille warned the Tyneside outfit off pursuing Leonardo Balerdi in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Leonardo Balerdi is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 26-year-old Marseille captain emerged as a target for the Tyneside outfit.
The Villa Mercedes native has also been a target for Juventus, with the Bianconeri keen on signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. However, the Ligue 1 giants have warned Newcastle United and Juventus off Balerdi, as they do not want to part ways with their club captain.
Leonardo Balerdi and his rise in Ligue 1
Leonardo Balerdi has gone from strength to strength since joining Marseille from Borussia Dortmund. The 26-year-old endured a frustrating spell with the Black and Yellows, and he has landed on his feet after moving to Marseille in July 2020. The Ligue 1 outfit initially completed a loan deal before sealing a permanent deal 12 months later.
The Argentine international has turned out over 150 times thus far for Marseille while chipping in with five goals and two assists. In addition, Balerdi has gained prominence at the Ligue 1 club in the last few years, succeeding Dimitri Payet as the captain. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, with Newcastle United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Newcastle United’s interest in Leonardo Balerdi makes sense. The Magpies have been scouring the market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window to prepare for the long-term future, as Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Jamaal Lascelles are on the wrong side of 30. In addition, Sven Botman has struggled with fitness issues in the last 12 months.
Several candidates, including Piero Hincapie, have emerged on Newcastle United’s radar, with Balerdi also a viable target. However, Newcastle United must move on from the Marseille captain, as the Ligue 1 giants have warned the Tyneside outfit off the South American defender.
Balerdi was also a target for Juventus, while Newcastle United felt they could have secured his services for less than £40 million. However, with Marseille uninterested in parting ways with the 26-year-old Argentine international, they must look elsewhere for a new centre-back this summer as Newcastle United’s frustrating transfer window continues.
