Melvin Bard’s Leeds United contract examined after Daniel Farke frustration
Melvin Bard has struggled to make an impact at Leeds United so far.
The French left-back was brought in on loan on transfer deadline day as cover for Gabriel Gudmundsson.
The latter had injuries issues at the start of the season, but he has come back into the fold and limited the new man's game time.
He has featured just twice so far for the Elland Road side, not able to work his way into a starting berth.
MOT Leeds News examines his contract situation is LS11 after his difficult start.
What is Melvin Bard's contract situation at Leeds?
Bard is initially on a one-season loan, but he could extend his time at Leeds.
If it works out, the Whites have the option to purchase the defender for a fee of around £4.3 million next summer.
The 25-year-old is on £45,000-per-week in Yorkshire, according to estimations from Valuball.
That means that if the Whites are paying his full wage, then it will cost them approximately £2.3m.
Whether he is worth that, remains to be seen, but he has already angered his manager, despite only playing twice.
How did Bard frustrate Daniel Farke?
Bard frustrated Daniel Farke in his Peacocks debut, as the Whites fell apart at Stamford Bridge.
The Athletic's Beren Cross shared details, taking to X on the night of that game, he said: "Not seen Farke this animated in a long time, Leeds playing really well, but he knows they need to make more of their dominance.
"Seething with Bijol and Muharemovic sleeping in their positioning. Bard and Nmecha have frustrated him in moments, too."
Farke's frustration may not be fair as the team was chopped and changed for the cup clash, so it did not give Bard the best chance to thrive in his first appearance
What has Bard said about Leeds move?
Bard admitted his excitement when his signature was confirmed in the summer.
Speaking to the club's official media channel, he said: “Super happy to be here.
“I can’t wait to discover the city, the stadium, my teammates as well, and to start playing in front of the fans.
“Leeds is a historic club in the Premier League so it was an easy choice, Leeds has a great history which makes the club an attractive one.
“And the fans, the atmosphere - there are many players that told me that it was hard to play in Elland Road Stadium.
"So, all of this is why I am very happy to be here and what I know about the club and the squad.”
That suggests that he would be keen to stick around, if the opportunity presents itself when the initial loan spell is finished.
However, if that is to happen, he will have to prove himself on the pitch and convince Farke that he is a solid option in the squad.
There is plenty of time for that to happen, so no one should be giving up hope yet.