Reliable journalist shares development about Berardi contract discussions with Leeds
Leeds United were planning to hold talks about a new contract with Gaetano Berardi at the end of the season before the coronavirus-enforced suspension of the Championship, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist had previously reported that there had been no indication of Berardi, 31, earning fresh terms to extend his stay at Elland Road but the situation that football finds itself in appears to have changed Leeds’ outlook.
Berardi is the only full-time player whose contract expires on June 30 but if the currently-suspended season runs past that date, it throws into doubt whether or not the former Sampdoria defender will stay on.
Although Berardi may be willing to see out the season with Leeds, however long that may be, he also has the right to leave on June 30 if he wishes to find a new club.
Now, Hay reports that Leeds did want to hold talks with Berardi once the season is over but the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a spanner into the works.
“The plan with Berardi was to leave discussions about a new deal until the end of the season but he’s obviously someone who’ll come under considerations when it comes to working out how loanees/free agents might stay with clubs until the season is finished,” the ex-Yorkshire Evening Post journalist said on Wednesday in a live Q&A session on The Athletic website.
Berardi has been impressive for Leeds whenever he has been called upon this season.
Although he has spent most of his career as a full-back, Marcelo Bielsa has used the one-time Switzerland international as a back-up centre-back for whenever Liam Cooper or Ben White have been unable to play in the backline.
Berardi’s started just 11 Championship matches this season but he has barely put a foot wrong and we hope that he’ll sign a new contract.
In other Leeds United news, Paul Robinson has tipped Illan Meslier to take the number one spot if he can shine this season.