Report: Leeds to let Gaetano Berardi decide whether he wants new contract

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Leeds United have seemingly made an interesting decision on Gaetano Berardi’s future, with the Daily Mirror reporting that they are prepared to let the defender decide whether he wants a new contract at Elland Road.

The Mirror reports that Berardi is out of contract this summer, and the Whites are yet to initiate talks.

With a number of key men penning fresh terms in recent times, some may have wondered whether it was an ominous sign that Berardi’s future remained unresolved.

But it appears that Leeds are ready to hand the 31-year-old the chance to stay – if he wants to discuss a new deal with the Championship side.

The Daily Mirror reports that Leeds are ready to leave the ball in Berardi’s court over a new deal. It is noted that the club’s hierarchy would like him to stay.

TBR’s View

Berardi has come in for a lot of criticism at various stages during his time with Leeds. His ability to produce a rash challenge from nowhere has hurt the Whites on a number of occasions since his arrival in 2014.

He may have had his most recent red card rescinded, but his critics have been keen to point out that it was his error in the first place that allowed Tom Bradshaw to get into the box.

Nevertheless, it would surely be a boost to keep the Swiss beyond this season. He looks to be as popular amongst Marcelo Bielsa’s squad as he is amongst the fans who consider him a cult-hero.

Bielsa has shown a lot of faith in the defender during his tenure. His versatility is particularly valuable to a coach like Bielsa who prefers to work with a smaller squad.

He arguably does have to prove that he can be relied upon when it comes to keeping his head. And some may be convinced that it is now time to let him go. But it is telling that Leeds want him to stay, and it would be no surprise if a large section of the Elland Road faithful felt exactly the same.