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Marseille, Levski's Europa League opponent, has transferred Argentine central defender Leonardo Balerdi to AS Roma. The deal is an initial loan with an option for a permanent purchase. Balerdi joins the Giallorossi for one season, with reports indicating the loan fee is €1 million. The purchase option, which is expected to become mandatory, is valued at an additional €15 million.
The footballer successfully completed his medical examinations on Saturday, having arrived at Ciampino Airport late in the afternoon.
He marks the fifth new signing for Roma's first team during the summer transfer window. Prior to his arrival, the club secured Santiago Castro from Bologna, Rodrigo Mora from Porto, Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg, and Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid.
Balerdi spent the last six seasons of his career in France with Marseille, where he made exactly 200 appearances across all competitions, including 153 in Ligue 1. His career also includes stints at Borussia Dortmund and Boca Juniors, and he has earned 11 caps for the Argentine national team.
During his inaugural season at the Stadio Olimpico, the defender will wear the number 26 jersey.
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