Barcelona: Boca Juniors reject €4 million offer for Leonardo Balerdi
Boca Juniors have rejected Barcelona’s offer for Leo Balerdi
There is a lack of talented centre-backs coming through from La Masia. Last season, Barça B’s leader in defence was David Costas, who was on loan from Celta Vigo. The club’s scouting team has found a potential reinforcement in Argentine youngster Leo Balerdi.
The 19-year old centre-back is yet to make his first appearance for the Argentina senior side, but has a lot of experience at the youth levels, and is the captain of the U-20 side. Balerdi has made 3 appearances for Boca Juniors already, and is expected to be a part of Guillermo Schelotto’s plans.
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Barcelona had submitted an offer of €4 million for the talented defender, but Boca Juniors are deeming that fee too low. The Superliga giants greatly value the young starlet, and see him as the eventual leader of their defence.
Now, the club should look to revise its offer, and maybe even submit a loan offer. Robert Fernández did that with Vitinho, signing him on loan from Brazilian side Palmeiras, with an option to make the move permanent.
When Vitinho couldn’t do enough to impress at Barcelona B, he couldn’t make his stay permanent and returned to his parent club. On the other hand, Marlon’s loan move from Fluminese was made permanent after he did well under Gerard López.
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Éric Abidal can do the same with Leo Balerdi. The youngster is not a member of the first-team at the Bombonera, and could do with some experience in Spain. If he does well, the club could make the move permanent, and if he fails to impress, he could be sent back to Boca Juniors.