Newcastle United have a new centre-back on their radar, with Leonardo Balerdi linked with a move to St James’ Park.
Signing a centre-back is a priority for Newcastle United, having tried and failed to do so during the previous two transfer windows.
Newcastle did want Dean Huijsen this summer, but he went to Real Madrid. As for Marc Guehi, he currently looks more likely to join Liverpool.
The Magpies have kept other centre-back targets quiet, until now. According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are exploring a £35million deal for Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi.
How Marseille feel about selling Newcastle United target Leonardo Balerdi
The 26-year-old is a new name on Eddie Howe’s radar, but there could already be a problem.
That is because French outlet RMC Sport reported on 26th June that Marseille do not want to sell the central defender this summer.
They stated that a Marseille executive has said that even an offer of €40million, which is the equivalent of around £35million, would not be enough for them to cash in.
Unless the Ligue 1 club’s stance changes or Balerdi seeks a move away, it would appear that the Argentinian defender will not be the answer to Newcastle United’s problem.
Newcastle United could repeat Sandro Tonali feat by signing Leonardo Balerdi
It sounds like Newcastle United will need to submit an excellent offer to convince Marseille to sell Balerdi, who became their captain at the start of the 2024/25 season.
He has emerged as a leader at Les Phocéens, helping Roberto De Zerbi’s side qualify for the Champions League by finishing second in Ligue 1. That will make it even more difficult for Newcastle to sign Balerdi, as Marseille aim to build on an incredibly impressive 2024/25 campaign.
If Newcastle are able to do the seemingly impossible, it would represent a repeat of what they did in 2023. The Magpies bought Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, with the midfielder arriving for £55million to become one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever.
That was a real statement of intent, not only because they had bought one of Europe’s most-gifted midfielders, but because he was coming from a Champions League rival.
Eddie Howe will need to do that again to bring Balerdi to St James’ Park.
