Juventus Revives Balerdi Pursuit as European Rivals Join

Juventus have come back to an old idea. Leonardo Balerdi, the defender they tried to prise away in the summer of 2025, is once again high on their list – and this time the stakes are higher.

Back then, Olympique Marseille simply shut the door. The French club refused to even entertain the notion of a sale, and Balerdi stayed put at the Vélodrome, his path to Turin blocked before talks could truly develop.

That stance is softening.

Marseille Open the Door

At the end of the current season, Marseille are now understood to be ready to listen to offers for Balerdi. Inside Juventus, that shift is being read as a genuine opportunity, not just background noise in a busy market. The Turin hierarchy are preparing a fresh approach and fully expect to be back at the table when the window opens.

This is no longer a speculative idea. It is a live target.

A Crowded Race

The difference this time? Juventus are not alone.

Across Europe, clubs have taken note of Balerdi’s situation and are tracking him closely. What might have been a relatively clean run at the player in 2025 has turned into a crowded race, with competition expected to be far fiercer than during Juve’s first attempt.

According to Tuttojuve, Roma and Atlético Madrid are among the sides now in the frame. Both clubs are assessing the defender as they plan their own defensive rebuilds, watching Marseille’s stance and weighing up a move.

Every scout report, every internal meeting, pushes the price and pressure up a little more.

Juve Lean on Their Marseille Ties

Juventus, though, believe they still have cards to play.

Their relationship with Marseille is seen in Turin as a potential advantage once formal talks begin. The Bianconeri are hopeful that existing lines of communication can smooth negotiations, help avoid an auction, and keep them in a strong position if and when bids are lodged.

That connection will matter. But it will not decide the transfer on its own.

Balerdi Holds the Key

This saga is expected to hinge on one person above all: Balerdi himself.

The defender’s choice is set to be crucial, with his own assessment of the options likely to carry as much weight as any club-to-club agreement. Rather than being moved purely by boardroom decisions, his next step should come down to where he sees the best project, the clearest role, the strongest future.

Juventus want that answer to be Turin. Roma and Atlético Madrid will argue their case. Marseille will listen.

Balancing the Books in Turin

There is another layer for Juve to manage. Before they can push fully for Balerdi, they may need to sell.

The summer window in Turin will not just be about arrivals. Outgoings could be required to create room in both the squad and the budget, with potential sales likely to shape how aggressively they can move for the Marseille defender.

So the scene is set: a player finally available, a club still interested, rivals closing in, and finances to juggle.

If Juventus truly want Balerdi this time, they will have to move with clarity, conviction, and speed in a market that will not wait.