AS ROMA NEWS CALCIOMERCATO – Gianluca Mancini is the pillar of the Giallorossi rearguard, a leader capable of giving solidity and personality to the defensive department. Roma is aware of the importance of having a charismatic and quality central player to build a top-level defense, and for this reason it has identified the right profile for next season: Leonardo Balerdi. The 26-year-old Argentine defender from Olympique Marseille is a name Trigoria has long liked and could be the ideal graft to strengthen the backline. With a contract expiring in 2028, Balerdi has already made it known that he likes a move to the capital and would be a valuable addition to the continuity of the Giallorossi’s defensive project. His international experience, gained between Boca Juniors, Borussia Dortmund and Ligue 1, makes him a reliable profile ready for the jump to Serie A.
A profile already appreciated in Trigoria
Balerdi, moreover, has on his side no small advantage: his excellent relations with Paulo Dybala and Leandro Paredes, compatriots with whom he shares not only nationality but also a harmony on and off the field. Roma had already probed for him in January, but Marseille had put up the wall. Now, however, the situation seems to have changed, with the player more open to a new adventure and the French club willing to listen to offers. Florent Ghisolfi, Roma’s sporting director, knows the defender well, having dealt with him during his time in Ligue 1. The price tag is around 20 million euros, a figure that Roma is carefully considering, also considering that Balerdi holds an Italian passport, which would avoid problems with extra-EU slots.
A defender tailor-made for Roma
Balerdi’s way of interpreting the role closely resembles Mancini’s: grit, the ability to set up play from the back and a strong presence in the two penalty areas. His experience in a three-man defense would make him perfect for the system that Roma intends to confirm again next season. In addition to Balerdi, the club is monitoring other options, such as Las Palmas’ Mika Marmol, who has a 10-million rescission clause, and Genoa’s Koni de Winter, whose cost, however, at around 30 million, is a major obstacle.
An already solid defense, but to be strengthened
Balerdi’s eventual graft would add to a department that has found excellent balance in recent weeks. With five clean sheets in the last six games, Roma has proven to have one of the most solid defenses in Serie A, thanks in part to Mile Svilar’s saves and Mancini’s leadership. However, the club is determined not to stop and ensure a further step up in quality for next season. Balerdi is more than an idea: he is a concrete lead that could soon turn into a negotiation. Roma is ready to reinforce its back pack with a targeted and valuable graft.
Source: Sports Gazette
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