Good morning, Leeds United fans. Here is your morning digest for Saturday, October 16.
Leeds agree short-term deal with Berardi
Leeds United completed a vital piece of business on the final day of the domestic transfer window with Gaetano Berardi formally returning to the club on a short-term deal.
The Swiss international missed the final weeks of the extended 2019/20 Championship season after suffering a cruciate ligament tear against Derby County on July 17.
However, despite being technically released when his contract expired at the end of last term, he was allowed to train at Thorp Arch as part of his rehabilitation programme.
In an impressive show of loyalty to the club’s longest-serving player, Leeds have now finalised an eight-month contract for the 32-year old, keeping him at Elland Road until the end of the current campaign.
Berardi is making strong progress in his recovery, but he is not expected to be fully fit until April.
Cuisance in the dark over failed Leeds move
French midfielder Michael Cuisance has admitted he still has no idea why his move from Bayern Munich to Leeds United collapsed.
The France Under-20 international ending up joining Ligue 1 side Marseille on a season-long loan deal after a permanent switch to the Premier League new boys failed to materialise.
However, Cuisance once again dismissed speculation that he failed a medical at Elland Road, and the 21-year old remains unaware of the reasons for the deal breaking down.
“I wasn’t afraid to work with Bielsa, but it didn’t happen with Leeds. I still don’t know why. But it’s good, because it allowed me to be at Marseille today," he said as per a report from Sport Witness.
“The Champions League was an important element for me. I did the final eight with Bayern and it made me want to play in it more. The fact that Marseille were in it made me want to go there."
Radrizzani confirms talks with San Francisco 49ers
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has revealed the club are in talks with NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers over new investment opportunities.
The 49ers owners already have a minority stake in the Whites, but following Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League, they are looking to increase their financial investment.
Radrizzani said an interview with Argentine newspaper La Nacion the club are not actively looking for new investment in the coming months, but admitted discussions are ongoing.
"We have had different conversations," he said. "We have minority partners in the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL and they have expressed interest in increasing their participation in shareholding.
"To be honest, today it is not a necessity, but we are working well together, they are good friends and if they can help the club accel its growth, why not?"
Radrizzani also revealed his long-term plan is to ensure European football at Elland Road within the next five years as part of their expansion into an increasing global market.
