One of Leeds United’s transfer priorities this summer will be to bring in a new central defender to add quality, but also strength in depth to Daniel Farke’s back line.
During his reign, Daniel Farke has been left with limited options in the middle of the defence with Pascal Struijk prone to injury. Six months out in Farke’s first year, Struijk missed the last six games this term.
It has seen Ethan Ampadu drop in alongside Joe Rodon, meaning Leeds lack the skipper’s impact in the middle of the park. Max Wober remains at Elland Road as cover, but Wober is expected to leave Leeds.
Leeds will need a centre-back even if Wober remains and over the weekend, a big-money option has been suggested as a top target for The Whites. Indeed, Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi is a Leeds target.
Roma looking to blow Leeds United out of the water for Balerdi
It is claimed that Balerdi is one of The 49ers’ top summer targets with The Whites ready to pay £20m to land the six-time Argentina international. Roberto De Zerbi is desperate not to lose this centre-back.
Leeds have sent scouts to watch Balerdi in recent weeks but now, The Whites could find themselves blown out of the water by Claudio Ranieri’s Roma. Le10Sport say Roma are preparing an offer for Balerdi.
Roma are one of five clubs scrapping to finish in fourth in Serie A and obtain the last Champions League spot with three games to go, while Marseille should qualify for the tournament. Leeds are up against it.
How much Marseille really want for captain Leonardo Balerdi
The report also claims that while Leeds only want to pay £20m. But Marseille rate Balerdi a whole lot higher than the £20m mark – rating Balerdi at a whopping £38m if clubs are to make Marseille an offer.
If Leeds met Marseille’s demands, it would see The 49ers splash out a club-record fee to land the South American. Georginio Rutter remains the club’s most-expensive purchase, for £35m back in January 2023.
Balerdi would be a stunning signing for Leeds, and a very decent purchase for Roma. He is a player with Champions League quality and at this stage, it seems unlikely Leeds have any chance to nab his signature.
