Marseille, France – Olympique de Marseille is reportedly exploring options to bolster its defense, with Fulham’s young center-back Sam Amissah emerging as a potential replacement for captain Leonardo Balerdi. The future of the Argentine international at the Stade Vélodrome is increasingly uncertain, particularly as the club navigates a challenging period following their elimination from the Coupe de France.
Balerdi, appointed captain by manager Roberto De Zerbi in early 2025, has seen his role come under scrutiny. While De Zerbi has publicly expressed his admiration for the 26-year-old, recent team selections suggest a potential shift in strategy. According to reports, Balerdi’s availability in the winter transfer window hinges, in part, on whether Marseille secures qualification for next season’s Champions League. Though, even if they do, a departure for the former Borussia Dortmund player remains a credible possibility.
Marseille’s search for a potential successor has led them to England, specifically to Fulham’s academy. The Telegraph reports that the club has identified 19-year-old Sam Amissah as a target. Currently featuring for Fulham’s reserve team, Amissah is yet to make a senior appearance for the Cottagers, but has garnered attention from several European clubs.
A Rising Star Attracting Major Interest
Amissah, an England U19 international, has occasionally been included in Fulham’s Premier League matchday squads, though he’s primarily featured on the bench. Scouts across Europe view him as a promising talent in the center-back position, explaining Marseille’s interest. However, securing Amissah’s signature will be a significant challenge, with competition from several high-profile clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Juventus, and Ajax all reportedly monitoring the young defender.
Convincing Amissah to choose Marseille, represents a considerable undertaking for the club’s sporting director. Marseille successfully attracted CJ Egan-Riley from Burnley last summer, despite interest from other English clubs, but the defender has struggled to make an impact in Ligue 1. The hope is that Amissah would fare better, but the situation serves as a cautionary tale.
The potential departure of Balerdi comes after a period of transformation for the Argentine under De Zerbi. As highlighted in a recent profile on Ligue1.com, De Zerbi sent Balerdi a personal message upon taking the Marseille job, convincing him of the coach’s sincerity, and intent. De Zerbi’s vision reimagines center-backs not merely as stoppers, but as key playmakers initiating attacks from the back. This tactical shift, while ambitious, has seemingly not fully resonated with Balerdi’s current form, leading to recent benchings in favor of Nayef Aguerd, despite Aguerd’s own fitness concerns.
De Zerbi has been publicly critical of Balerdi’s development, stating in December 2025, “Leo is fine physically, It annoys me to leave him on the bench because I love him a lot,” but adding that Balerdi “needs to go to another level. He needs to decide whether he wants to become a great player, and not just a player that has great potential – with and without the ball.” This public challenge underscores the pressure Balerdi faces to elevate his game and secure his place in the team.
Balerdi himself acknowledged the competition for places within the squad, admitting in an interview with Get French Football News last November that he was aware he could be dropped despite his captaincy. He also expressed his ambition to represent Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding another layer of motivation to his performance.
The situation at Marseille highlights the delicate balance between tactical vision, player development, and squad management. De Zerbi’s demanding approach, while aiming to unlock the full potential of his players, also creates a high-pressure environment where performance is constantly scrutinized. For Balerdi, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether he can meet De Zerbi’s expectations and remain a key figure at the club.
Should Balerdi depart, Marseille will be looking for a player who can seamlessly integrate into De Zerbi’s system. Amissah, with his youth and potential, represents a long-term investment, but the competition for his signature is fierce. The club will need to convince the young defender that Marseille offers the best pathway for his development and a platform to showcase his talent on the European stage.
Marseille’s next fixture is a Ligue 1 clash against Lorient on March 15th at the Stade Vélodrome (kick-off 21:00 CET / 15:00 EST). The match will provide a further indication of De Zerbi’s plans and the role Balerdi will play in the remainder of the season. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Argentine captain can rediscover his form and silence the growing speculation surrounding his future.
The transfer window is always a period of intense speculation, and the situation surrounding Leonardo Balerdi is no exception. As Marseille navigates this crucial period, the club’s ability to attract and develop young talent like Sam Amissah will be vital to its long-term success.
