OM’s Leonardo Balerdi transfer saga: missed chances and financial setbacks

The once-promising partnership between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi is reaching its painful conclusion, with the club’s finances taking a severe blow. As the transfer saga unfolds behind closed doors, a shocking revelation about an astronomical offer rejected by the player has laid bare the staggering financial shortfall facing the Phocaean giants.

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Marseille’s grand transfer plan derailed by injury

The mutual agreement between OM and Balerdi to part ways this summer was meant to be a smooth exit. The club had strategically planned to leverage the player’s visibility during the 2026 World Cup to maximize his market value. However, fate had other plans. Just before the tournament, Balerdi suffered a severe calf injury, forcing him to withdraw and shattering Marseille’s financial projections led by president Pablo Longoria.

Balerdi rejects Leverkusen’s €25 million offer

The pain doesn’t end there. Marseille had already secured what seemed like a guaranteed deal in the spring. According to insider accounts, Bayer Leverkusen had tabled a firm €25 million offer—including easily achievable bonuses—for the Argentine defender, who previously played for Borussia Dortmund.

In an unexpected twist, Balerdi himself rejected the proposal outright. Unenthused about returning to the Bundesliga, the Villa Mercedes native dismissed Leverkusen’s offer without hesitation.

Market value plummets: a €10 million loss for OM

Balerdi’s personal decision has become a financial nightmare for Marseille. Between his rejection of Leverkusen’s offer and his World Cup withdrawal, the player’s market value has plummeted in mere weeks. Faced with the harsh reality of the transfer market and the urgent need to replenish funds, the club has drastically lowered its expectations.

Today, OM is left with no choice but to settle for a €15 million exit fee—a staggering €10 million drop in valuation. This sharp decline comes at a critical time, as every penny counts on the Canebière.