The Argentine center that Simeone has requested for Atlético de Madrid

The Atlético team has shown interest in this player in several transfer windows, but now they are convinced to go after his signing.

Héctor Andreu | 9 Dec 2025 | 17.44
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<p>Atlético is back with strength to sign Leonardo Balerdi / RTVE.es</p>
<p>Atlético is back with strength to sign Leonardo Balerdi / RTVE.es</p>

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31/01/26 18:30:00
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The name of Leonardo Balerdi is once again making headlines in the market, and this time the interest from Atlético de Madrid is stronger than ever. With the financial boost brought by the arrival of Apollo Sports Capital, the red and white club is gearing up for a summer in which they will be a key player, especially in the reconstruction of their defense. In that plan, the Argentine emerges as a top target.

Atlético de Madrid accelerates its defensive plan

As reported by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, the team led by Diego Simeone has set its sights on strengthening the backline after a season marked by ups and downs and clear deficiencies in the defensive line. While the Madrid-based club is considering players of different profiles, Leonardo Balerdi stands out as an ideal candidate due to his age, experience, and recent performance at Olympique de Marseille, where he has played in more than 170 official matches, establishing himself as a key player for the French team.

At the colchonero club, they appreciate his growth, his ability to adapt to demanding contexts, and his aggressive profile, which aligns well with Simeone's style. Moreover, he is a center-back who excels in aerial duels, reads spaces well, and maintains consistency at the top level, three aspects that Atlético considers essential to strengthen the defensive structure.

European competition for Leonardo Balerdi

The potential signing of the Argentine won't be easy, as several major clubs have shown interest. In Italy, both Juventus and Milan, along with Inter, have closely monitored his progress, while in England, Newcastle also sees him as a candidate to bolster their defense. Nevertheless, Atlético de Madrid believes that their sporting project and their ability to offer a leading role may influence the player's decision.

On the other hand, Olympique de Marseille is not in a hurry to let him go. With a contract until 2028, the French club will only consider his departure with an offer that properly values his importance to the team. However, those around Leonardo Balerdi do not rule out a change of scenery if a proposal arises that allows him to make a competitive leap in a more prominent league.

Balerdi, objective of Atlético de Madrid

Ideal profile for the red and white defense

The sports management of Atlético believes that the addition of Balerdi would fit perfectly into the new era that the club aims to usher in. It's not just about adding another center-back but about investing in a defensive leader capable of enhancing the team's performance and adapting to the three or four defenders system that Diego Simeone deploys based on the match context.

His experience in France, his time in Germany, and his competitive maturity make him a player ready to take on responsibilities from day one. Atlético also values his competitive character and potential for improvement, aspects particularly appreciated by the coaching staff.

A signing that could define Atlético's summer

Atlético knows that the upcoming transfer window will be crucial to solidify a project that needs to take a quality leap. With renewed financial resources and a more ambitious sports planning, the colchonero club aims to move decisively in the market. In this plan, Leonardo Balerdi emerges as a key piece to regain the solidity that has always characterized the team.

If negotiations progress and conditions align, the Argentine could become one of the most significant signings of the summer for Atlético de Madrid. His arrival would provide a defensive, competitive, and strategic boost for a team looking to contend for titles with the intensity demanded by Simeone. The immediate future of the club hinges on making firm decisions, and one of the most anticipated could be the addition of Leonardo Balerdi as the leader of the new red and white defense.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El central argentino que Simeone ha pedido al Atlético de Madrid

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