Leeds United have one foot in the Premier League following Thursday evening’s Yorkshire derby victory but the prospect of playing in the top-flight without a key member of the promotion squad is fast-becoming a reality.
Central defender Gaetano Berardi is out of contract next weekend following six years at Elland Road and there’s been no solid reports over the potential of an extension.
Should Berardi be given a new contract?
100% - yes!
No way!
However, The Athletic’s Phil Hay believes the Yorkshire giants will offer him a new deal, which would be a fine reward for the part he’s played this season.
Speaking in a post-match Q&A this week, the ever-reliable reporter said:
“His is record is superb. I expect Leeds to offer him a new deal.”
The Swiss veteran was once regarded as a liability at the club, but supporters have swayed their opinion on him this term.
His numbers for the campaign actually tell a story of reliability instead.
He has featured in 21 Championship matches, where he has helped contribute to 13 clean sheets whilst his only sending off was quickly rescinded upon review.
The 31-year-old has also averaged two clearances, 1.2 interceptions and one tackle per appearance and he very rarely makes a mistake having only managed 0.3 unsuccessful touches and 0.1 dispossessions in each game, per WhoScored.
With Marcelo Bielsa likely to lose loan star Ben White back to parent club Brighton in the summer, keeping Berardi around – even if he’s going to be a backup – seems like not only a wise decision but a shrewd one too.