Balerdi joins Roma on loan with purchase option

AS Roma have announced the signing of Leonardo Balerdi from Olympique Marseille on a loan deal with a right of redemption. The Argentine defender, born in 1999, will wear number 26. Balerdi brings substantial European experience, having played for Borussia Dortmund and Marseille across over 200 official appearances. He has earned 11 caps for the Argentine national team. The deal strengthens Roma's defensive options as the club prepares for the 2026-27 season campaign.

Leonardo Balerdi has officially joined AS Roma from Olympique Marseille on a loan deal. The Argentine defender arrived at Ciampino yesterday afternoon and completed his medical before the club announced the transfer. He has chosen shirt number 26. The deal is structured as a loan worth €1 million with a right of redemption that can become an obligation at approximately €15 million, conditional on appearances and Roma's qualification for European football. Balerdi, born 1999, has accumulated over 200 official appearances across his spells in Europe with Borussia Dortmund and Marseille. He has 11 caps for Argentina's national team. The club released a statement: "AS Roma is delighted to announce the arrival of Leonardo Balerdi from Olympique Marseille. The operation is concluded with a loan purchase with a right of redemption. The Argentine defender, class of 1999, has worn the shirts of Borussia Dortmund and Marseille in Europe, totalling over 200 appearances in official competitions. He has 11 appearances with the Argentine national team. He has chosen shirt number 26. Welcome to Rome, Leonardo!"

Marten de Roon has completed his transfer to AS Roma from Atalanta and was expected to arrive at Fiumicino airport on 30 August. The Dutch midfielder spoke to Rai Sport after departing Bergamo, describing an emotionally complex move despite the appeal of joining the Giallorossi. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini played a decisive role in securing the player, with de Roon confirming that Gasperini "wanted me strongly at Roma" and that the move came about suddenly. De Roon's departure from Atalanta comes after a long association with the club, and the transfer represents another piece of Gasperini's squad-building at Roma following his appointment in 2025. The coach actively pushed for the midfielder, who was one of his most trusted lieutenants at Bergamo. The move offered de Roon a chance to begin a new chapter in his career, though the decision to leave was not made lightly. Speaking about his feelings on the day, de Roon said: "Sad day. It wasn't easy for how things went. This month was difficult after returning from the World Cup. I spoke to Gasperini: it was all a bit of a lightning move, he wanted me strongly at Roma. Given how the situation was here, it was the right solution. A difficult situation because discussing this with my family, the club, thinking also of the bond with the fans and the city. I should be happy, but it's a difficult day." De Roon was awaiting clearance procedures to become officially a Roma player.