Leeds given another reason to target new Gaetano Berardi deal

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After years of fans going into the summer window being nervous about certain players’ contract situations, Leeds United supporters appear to have little to worry about on that front heading into the coming months.

The Whites have learnt from painful lessons of the past. Many members of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad are now tied down to long-term deals.

But there is one exception amongst the current ranks.

As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier this month, Gaetano Berardi is heading into the final few months of his current deal.

And given how Leeds have tried to stay on top of contract concerns during Andrea Radrizzani’s tenure, it appears, from the outside, to be slightly ominous that Berardi has not penned fresh terms.

In truth, some supporters may not mind seeing Berardi’s deal expire. He has been an incredibly popular signing, and at times, a fantastic servant. But there have been times when his discipline has let the team down.

However, his recent performances have acted as a reminder of how good the Swiss can be. He has been superb when called upon in the last few months. And he has looked a lot more disciplined in recent times.

There may be few supporters who would have him ahead of either Ben White or Liam Cooper in the pecking order, but he has shown how valuable he is amongst Bielsa’s squad.

Berardi proving doubters wrong this season

There are arguably few players who could come in after several weeks without game-time and produce a performance of such high quality.

He had arguably already staked a claim to be deserving of a new contract.

And perhaps the importance of getting Berardi to pen fresh terms has increased thanks to the current stoppage in the season.

Should the campaign continue at some stage, Leeds will surely need to be prepared to play beyond the end of June.

Unfortunately however, that could mean that the Whites’ promotion hopes remain in the balance as Berardi’s contract expires.

Of course, the two parties could reach an agreement that sees Berardi stay for as long as the season is going.

And it must be noted that Berardi may not want to sign a new contract at Elland Road.

But if there is a possibility to thrash out a new one-year contract, surely Leeds must now take it.

Berardi’s form arguably provided enough reason for Leeds to look at extending his contract anyway. But the uncertainty of the coming months surely makes it even more important that the Championship leaders hold onto the cult-hero for another year.