Bayer Leverkusen target Argentine defender Facundo Medina

Bayer Leverkusen have been linked with a potential summer move for Argentine defender Facundo Medina, just days after his impressive showing at the World Cup final.

The 27-year-old Olympique de Marseille player came off the bench and delivered a composed performance for ten-man Argentina in their extra-time defeat to Spain. 

His solid display as a defensive all-rounder has reportedly caught the attention of the German club.

According to reliable sources, Leverkusen have emerged as a serious contender for Medina’s signature. 

The negotiations are said to be in their early stages, with Marseille likely to demand a fee that at least matches the €20 million they paid to secure him permanently from RC Lens following an initial loan spell.

Medina has primarily operated as a centre-back throughout his club career, though Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni deployed him at left-back during the World Cup, with the exception of the final against Spain. 

The versatile defender boasts 14 caps for his country and has accumulated significant experience in Ligue 1, making 164 appearances for Lens and Marseille combined. He has also featured 10 times in the UEFA Champions League.

Both clubs enter this potential transfer window without Champions League football next season, after failing to qualify in their respective domestic leagues. 

Medina’s presence at Leverkusen could be eased by the fact that his Argentina teammate Exequiel Palacios already plays for the club, although Palacios was recently linked with a move to RB Leipzig.

The transfer talks highlight Leverkusen’s interest in strengthening their defensive options with a proven, battle-hardened player capable of performing at a high level in multiple positions.

For Marseille, any deal would represent a chance to recoup their investment in the reliable defender.