One-time Swiss international defender Gaetano Berardi is into the final year of his current United deal, and it appears there are serious reservations (via ClubCall) about the 31-year-old’s future at the club, from management and supporters alike.
Berardi joined Leeds from Sampdoria in 2014, having also spent time at Brescia, and has gone on to make well over 100 appearances for the club over a five-year spell.
Though not always a regular starter, his versatility has been a useful asset, with the defender able to fill in anywhere across the backline to competent effect.
There have, however, always been question marks and issues regarding his temperament and discipline on the pitch, with the ‘red mist’ descending regularly and the fiery full-back falling foul of the officials.
With that in mind, along with Berardi now being over 30 and not necessarily a key member of the side, it appears the club feel they may be able to look for better in the summer, spend the budget more efficiently and evolve the side moving forward.
United fans have long-held concerns about Berardi and his temperamental ways costing their side. Looking on Twitter, here’s what is being said:
Hope we pay him off in January
— Jord (@JordanBrown91) October 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/AndrewFirth21/status/1182185094783672325?s=19
Get him gone!!
— Matt Hill (@MattyHill83) October 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/Prolethreat/status/1182192729213820930?s=19
Plenty of supporters can’t wait to see the back of Berardi, and while appreciating his effort, feel Leeds need a better quality replacement.
Hope so constant liability & imo has cost club points.
— Mip (@mipsical) October 10, 2019
Love Berardi
— Dirty Leeds (@DirtyLeedsFC) October 10, 2019
Who's the cover in our squad without him? We don't have the luxury of deciding if he should play or not, he's our 3rd CB in our current squad 🤷♀️
I don't get the "never play again" stuff people put on here. He's our best cover in this squad.— Alan Swales (@Coach_Swales) October 10, 2019
Many fans consider the defender a “liability”, but some do appreciate the dedication, commitment and versatility Berardi brings to the squad.