Marseille’s €20m purchase faces German giant’s bid for Medina
Facundo Medina, the 27‑year‑old Argentine left‑back who just completed his first World Cup with the Argentina national team, has been bought outright by Olympique de Marseille for €20 million, yet Bayer Leverkusen of Germany are already circling the defender. The contrast between Marseille’s fresh €20 million investment and a potential swift resale to a Bundesliga heavyweight underlines the speed of the current European transfer market.
Medina featured in five matches at the 2026 World Cup, logging 309 minutes as Argentina secured a silver medal after a 1‑0 defeat to Spain in the final. He started the first two group games, provided an assist for Lionel Messi, and also played in the round‑of‑16 win over Cape Verde.
His registration belongs to Olympique de Marseille after the French club exercised a mandatory purchase clause on a loan from RC Lens. Marseille paid €2 million for the initial loan and €18 million for the transfer fee, plus €2 million in performance bonuses, and secured his contract until 31 December 2030.
Bayer Leverkusen, a Bundesliga side, need to replace left‑back Alejandro Grimaldo, who departed for Atlético Madrid for €25 million. The German club has until Saturday noon to decide on a replacement, with Medina listed among the candidates.
The competition for the Argentine includes Spanish left‑back Miguel Gutiérrez of Napoli, who is praised for his offensive flair, while Medina is highlighted for defensive solidity and ball‑recovery ability.
Marseille is expected to set a minimum asking price of €20 million for the transfer, matching the amount it paid only months earlier.
Medina began his career in River Plate’s youth system, made his professional debut with Talleres de Córdoba, and moved to Lens in 2020. In Ligue 1 he accumulated 166 appearances and scored eight goals, establishing himself as a key player for the French side.
On loan at Marseille since July 2025, Medina has added 22 matches and one assist to his record, and a move to Leverkusen would reunite him with fellow Argentines Exequiel Palacios and Ezequiel Equi Fernández.