Leeds United have handed a new three-year deal to defender Gaetano Berardi.
Just days after Leeds tied up a new contract for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, the club have been at it again today, with defender Gaetano Berardi penning a new three-year deal.
Leeds have enjoyed a strong summer in terms of recruitment, with the likes of Felix Wiedwald, Vurnon Anita, Mateusz Klich, Samu Saiz and Ezgjan Alioski all arriving at Elland Road.
However, it’s also key for Leeds to keep a strong core of players if they are to challenge for promotion to the Premier League, and owner Andrea Radrizzani has moved to hand Berardi a new contract.
Berardi, 28, was one of the first signings of the Massimo Cellino era back in the summer of 2014, arriving from Serie A side Sampdoria on a two-year deal – and he has gone on to become a popular figure at Elland Road.
The Swiss full back has played on both sides of the defence during his time at Elland Road, and he has now racked up more than 80 appearances for the club whilst also recording three red cards.
Now, Berardi has committed his future to Leeds until 2020 in a strong move for the club, given that he looks to be the favourite to replace Charlie Taylor at left back, despite the signing of Manchester United’s Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on Monday.
Leeds fans took to Twitter this afternoon in order to give their views on the deal, admitting that they were buzzing to see Berardi rewarded for his performances and his commitment with a new contract.
Others sought to thank owner Radrizzani for sealing a new contract for Berardi, claiming that the defender ‘just gets’ what it takes to play for Leeds, with some even wanting Berardi to be given a contract for life having become something of a cult hero at Elland Road.
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