Exclusive: Nigel Martyn says Leeds player is ‘playing for his future’, contract ends in June

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Gaetano Berardi is nearing a return to training after overcoming a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury that has kept him sidelined since July 2020 – and Nigel Martyn has told The Boot Room that he is now “playing for his future” at Elland Road.

One-time Switzerland international Berardi, 32, has been a cult hero at Leeds over the past few years for his passionate, aggressive performances. He was crucial in helping Leeds gain promotion, becoming enormously versatile under Marcelo Bielsa.

Able to play on the left, right or even as a makeshift centre-back, Berardi clocked up 25 appearances in all competitions last season. But having already secured promotion, Berardi snapped his cruciate ligament in a 3-1 dead-rubber win against Derby.

He has since been sidelined but Bielsa confirmed in a recent press conference that the former Sampdoria man is closing in on a return to training. The defender was out of contract last summer, but has since signed a one-year deal worth £32,000 (Spotrac).

However, that 12-month contract is now coming to an end with non-English clubs able to approach the defender on a pre-contract deal. Martyn reacted to his contract situation by stating that when he does return, he will be playing for his future.

“I think he is playing for his future, now – once he is back and fit,” Martyn told The Boot Room. “He has got now and until the end of the season to prove he has a future at Leeds. It is a nasty injury, but the surgeons can work miracles these days.

“He will have to show he is the same player he was. He is a strong-willed guy, he is liked among the fans. But we can’t afford anything too silly, he likes a challenge. What he cannot do is be over anxious to impress and get sent off.”

TBR’s view – Can Berardi earn another Leeds deal?

Even in the Championship, Berardi was only a squad player and now having entered the final six months of his contract and turning 33 in August – it remains to be seen if he will get a new contract at Elland Road.

Clearly, he offers something that Bielsa loves – which is versatility. He has shown over the past couple of seasons, too, that he is more than happy to act as cover for the first-team stars, and will not kick up a fuss if he feels he is not getting enough game time.

If Berardi wants game time, then perhaps signing another new contract is not the best idea. But if he is happy to be influential off the pitch and cover the senior side when needed – then sure, handing him another 12 months until 2022 is not the worst idea.