Mark Smith

Thu 19 March 2020 10:30, UK

The future of Leeds United defender Gaetano Berardi has taken many twists and turns in the past year at Elland Road.

Berardi’s current deal is set to run out at the end of the season, but with the coronavirus suspension set to extend the campaign past the beginning of May – who knows what will happen.

It had been suggested at the beginning of the season that the Swiss enforcer would like to return to Italy after being with the Whites for a number of years.

The 31-year-old had been given an extended run in the side recently, with Kalvin Phillips having been struggling with an injury he picked up against Reading.

Berardi shined in those games against Middlesbrough and Huddersfield and that has led to fans calling for the defender to receive a new contract at the club.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has recently revealed that Bielsa is keen to keep Berardi at the club and that the Whites are willing to put a new offer on the table if it suits both parties.

Hay admitted that it would be a smart piece of business at Elland Road and that he would be a real asset to the South American next season.

Should Berardi have not been given the chance recently, his future could have been well in the air. It still is uncertain, but the defender has definitely done his hopes of a new deal no harm with recent performances.

The 31-year-old’s outing against Huddersfield in the 2-0 win was certainly proof that he can play at the top of the Championship and potentially the Premier League.

Berardi made three tackles and two interceptions according to WhoScored – impressive. Outside of that, he also completed four clearances and was only dribbled past once in 90 minutes.

Time after time, Berardi has proven himself this season and his recent performances could have done the trick with Bielsa wanting a new deal offered to his most-experienced defender.

In other Leeds United news, Ian Harte reveals Leeds players will be dropped if they don’t meet one Bielsa expectation