Juventus did all they could to sign Leonardo Balerdi last summer, but Olympique Marseille insisted that the defender was not for sale and would not leave the club.
The Argentinian wanted the move and was angered by the decision to deny him a transfer to the Allianz Stadium. However, his situation at OM has now changed, and he could be allowed to leave during this transfer window.
Balerdi’s Situation at Marseille Changes
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Balerdi has completely fallen out with Marseille’s fans. In his last match, the defender made two errors that led to goals and was subsequently booed by the supporters.
The fans continued to jeer him during the match after previously considering him one of the players they could trust. They did not expect such a performance from the defender, and the reaction has reportedly left Balerdi ready to leave the club.
Balerdi has been let down by the supporters, while Marseille could also open the door for him to leave before the transfer window closes. Such a development could encourage Juventus to reignite their interest in signing the defender.
The Bianconeri had already shown how strongly they wanted Balerdi last summer, and the current situation could give them another opportunity to complete the transfer. However, Juventus would still need to make room in their squad before making a move.
Juventus Need to Sell a Centre Back
Juventus have just signed Jhon Lucumi, so if Balerdi wants the transfer and the Bianconeri still want to sign him, they will have to sell one of their centre-backs in Turin to make the move happen.
The club are aware of this situation and has therefore placed some of its defenders on the market. They are now waiting for teams to show interest in their players, which would allow Juventus to create the space needed for another defensive signing.
Balerdi’s situation could therefore give Juventus an opportunity they did not have last summer. The defender wants to leave Marseille, and the Bianconeri remain interested, but a sale from Turin would likely need to happen before they can make their move.