‘Plan to make him an offer’ – Phil Hay says he expects star to sign new deal if Leeds promoted
Gaetano Berardi hasn’t been a regular starter for Leeds United this season but he has played a very important part in the squad.
He’s deputized for Liam Cooper and Ben White when needed and if anyone needed reminding about his passion for the side, it was on display when he was ragging Patrick Bamford after the late Pablo Hernandez goal against Swansea.
Does this look like a man who wants to leave Elland Road?
However, his future is in doubt. His contract is up at the end of the season and there’s been no definitive word of either an offer or a decision from Berra.
However, Athletic journalist Phil Hay has said that while there isn’t a clause in Berardi’s contract to trigger an extension, Leeds will make him an offer.
He also said that if Leeds get promoted, he expects Berardi to sign a new deal.
Important Berardi stays
Berardi is pure passion. And while it looks like he might be assaulting Bamford in that picture, that’s just Berra when he’s excited.
The combative defender has been with us for six years now after joining from Sampdoria and it looks like we’ll get to enjoy him for at least another season.
The centre of defence, a massive part of Leeds’ push for promotion this season, is going to be a major point of focus this summer.
While Leeds fans want to see Ben White sign on a permanent deal, that’s far from certain and that’s why it’s so important Berardi stays.
Leeds will need to sign at least one more centre-back if White does head back to Brighton and possibly more.
If Berardi left as well it would mean major surgery at the back and that’s not ideal when you’re facing life back in the Premier League.
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