Leeds United may not be in the Premier League just yet, but their chances of securing a return to the top-flight for the first time since 2004 are looking stronger by the day.
They on a hot streak of five successive victories, which has seen them leapfrog title rivals West Brom into first place whilst also extending the cushion to the playoffs by a massive seven points.
Remember, there are only nine games remaining, so Marcelo Bielsa’s side have their destiny firmly in their own grasp.
The Argentine will be left with plenty to do this summer in order to prepare the club for life in the promised land – or even worse, yet another season in the Championship.
One decision facing Bielsa is the future of centre-back Gaetano Berardi who is out-of-contract at the end of the season but according to Phil Hay, there have been no negotiations yet- is this a wise move?
The writers at Football FanCast run the mill over the matter below…
Viji Jeevathayalan
“At 31, Berardi doesn’t exactly represent the future of Leeds’ defence.
“The Swiss ace has had his struggles in his time at Elland Road, making high-profile mistakes and earning a reputation for having a bit of discipline problem on the pitch – fans even wanted him gone last summer when a stat emerged that he had become the joint-most red carded player in Leeds history.
“Whilst he may have picked up his performances as of late, it would be so naive from Marcelo Bielsa to hand him a new deal. The Premier League is a significant step-up, and there will be some big question marks over whether Berardi can hack it at the highest level. Leeds would simply be better off turning their attentions elsewhere”
Charles Jones
“I think that Leeds should be looking into the possibility of giving Berardi a new deal.
“As it stands they have just one senior centre-back signed on beyond next season with the Switzerland international’s contract expiring and Ben White’s loan deal coming to an end.
“With Marcelo Bielsa preferring to operate with such a small squad, it’s vital to have players like Berardi in that as he can competently play on either side at full-back or through the centre of defence.
“Is he going to be their best defender if they go up? Probably not, but he will certainly be a handy option to have on the bench if injuries or suspensions become an issue down the line.
“I think Leeds should change their stance and get him signed up as soon as possible.”
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Matt Dawson “Handing a new contract to Berardi could be a short-fire way to saving millions for Leeds in the summer transfer window, regardless of whether they go up. If the Whites stay in the Championship then you have to fear for their financial situation. They are held down by tight financial restrictions which could get worse once Helder Costa arrives for £15m. The fact they settled for loan signings last summer shows how much they were restricted.“If Berardi leaves alongside Ben White, whose loan deal expires at the end of the season, they will be left with just one senior centre half and will simply have to go out into the market to sign two or three options – particularly if they go up. “However, by agreeing new terms with the Swiss centre-back, it would save the club a fortune in the transfer market. The Swiss hasn’t always been the most dependable, being sent off seven times during his stay at Elland Road, but recent matches show there is still life in the 31-year-old’s legs. Against Huddersfield, he achieved a pass success rate north of 93% while making three tackles and two interceptions. “He deserves to be handed an extra year at the very least.”Lewis Blain“Leeds can do no wrong in handing Berardi a short-term extension. He’s currently a rotational option as it is, but his role has increased in recent weeks due to injury suffered to Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips’ surprise exclusion from the matchday squad.“He has been solid enough all season, in fact, the Swiss defender has managed 11 clean sheets from 17 appearances, which is a fantastic return considering he was once regularly blasted as a liability at the club.“Bielsa is already going to lose Ben White this summer, he can lessen that effect by handing Berardi a small deal this summer. It makes a ton of sense.”Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Leeds Quiz? Test your knowledge below…While in other news, Phil Hay names important thing Leeds must do this summer…
