This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Despite their lack of depth at centre-back, Leeds United have been hesitant to open up talks with Gaetano Berardi for a new contract.
This could mean a couple of things, either the Whites have someone lined up who they’re looking to sign, or Marcelo Bielsa trusts one of the young players in their ranks to make the step up to the first-team.
The latter scenario could well be true, and that man could be Oliver Casey.
Casey’s ability
Bielsa hasn’t been shy to get youth players involved in first-team action when he thinks they’re good enough.
Last season Jamie Shackleton and Jack Clarke both appeared over 20 times in the league, and this term we’ve seen Leif Davis make a real impact when he’s appeared in the first team as he’s drawn comparisons to Gareth Bale.
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There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Casey is the next in line to receive a first-team chance.
The teenager was included in the 19-man squad against QPR this weekend, and Marcelo Bielsa has previously pinpointed him as a youngster to look out for when Liam Cooper was injured.
The Argentine doesn’t just hand out that praise to anybody, so it’s fair to assume that the teenager is a rather talented individual.
Why being the away goalkeeper at Leeds is the toughest job in football in the video below…
Berardi’s new deal
If Casey does emerge before the end of this season and shows signs of being a decent player then Leeds would be justified in their decision to not hand a new contract to Berardi.
Although he’s been a great servant to the club, the Swiss defender can be a bit of a liability – earning seven red cards.
If Bielsa feels that he’s got a man who can adequately replace him already at the club you can understand why he wouldn’t want to offer him a new contract.
Whether or not the 31-year-old is eventually offered new terms remains to be seen, but if Casey bursts onto the scene in the near future that may be even more unlikely.
It really does feel like Berardi is fighting for his future in west Yorkshire.
