MOT View: Leeds fringe player has proven his worth time and time again, deal should be offered
Gaetano Berardi is the longest-serving player at Leeds United but that could all change in the summer when the defender’s contract expires.
According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, there has been no signs that Berardi, 31, has been offered fresh terms by the club, meaning that he could be free to leave Elland Road on June 30.
Berardi’s made 150 appearances in all competitions during his six seasons as a Leeds player and although he’s had a reputation of being a loose cannon at times, the one-time Switzerland international has managed to prove his worth in this side on a number of occasions.
Although Berardi has been a bit of a fringe player this season by only appearing 20 times across all competitions and starting just 11 Championship fixtures, when he has started in Marcelo Bielsa’s defence, he usually does really well.
Take Berardi’s last two appearances – against Huddersfield and Middlesbrough – for example.
Kalvin Phillips’ absence led to Bielsa moving Ben White into the midfield and placing Berardi in his back-four alongside captain Liam Cooper.
Stats by WhoScored show that Berardi completed more tackles, more clearances and had a higher pass accuracy than Cooper in the 2-0 win over Huddersfield.
Against Boro, Berardi made more interceptions and blocks than Cooper while also having a far better pass accuracy again.
Berardi is someone who can come into the Leeds side and do a really steady job.
Although he’s still likely to lose it at times and the red mist can descend quite easily for the ex-Brescia defender, he is still someone who Leeds should really try to keep hold of.
When there are injuries and suspensions, Berardi can be counted on and that could come in handy next season if the Whites are playing in the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, this loaned-out player wants to return to Elland Road and have a future there.