Leonardo Balerdi lays out his stance on a potential move to Leeds United amid £20m reports

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Pascal Struijk’s injuries are an issue for Leeds United ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. In the Championship, Leeds could easily throw Ethan Ampadu into defence and still cope in midfield.

But in the Premier League, losing Ampadu’s influence in midfield will see Leeds caught. Either, Leeds need to keep Ampadu at centre-back and sign a top midfielder or more likely, bring in a top-quality defender.

Leeds could well do both this summer with a big window of spending expected at Elland Road in the next few months. Adam Underwood has been thrown in at the deep end, his first window as sporting director.

One player being linked with Leeds is Leonardo Balerdi. The Argentina international has been deemed as one of the club’s top summer priorities after a wonderful season with Marseille in France’s top division.

• READ MORE: Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu lauded for what he did 24 hours after bus parade

Leonardo Balerdi’s stance gives Leeds United the green light

Leeds have even sent scouts to watch Balerdi wear the captain’s armband for Marseille in recent weeks. The Whites want to pay £20m for him, though some reports say Leeds will have to pay north of £30m.

However, one positive Leeds will find in talks for Balerdi is that the defender is supposedly keen on the Premier League. Le10Sport say Balerdi favours a move to Elland Road, over Serie A or any other divisions.

Certainly, that helps Leeds with Claudio Ranieri’s Roma also interested in landing Balerdi. However, Roma are in the fight to qualify for the Champions League and will have much more cash readily available.

What Roberto De Zerbi has said about Leonardo Balerdi’s future

If Balerdi is fit, he starts and finishes game for Marseille. The defender has been one of Marseille’s best players this season, in a side that currently sit in second place behind Paris Saint-Germain with two left.

De Zerbi is hoping Balerdi continues to go under the radar: “I hope big European teams don’t realise that he exists. I am happy that he is going under the radar of the big teams. He is an extraordinary player.”

Well, interest is starting to ramp up in Balerdi with Leeds and Roma among the clubs considering a move to land the centre-back. But Leeds seem to be fighting a losing battle given European clubs are keen.