Patrick Bamford has been in the news in recent weeks, with his future at Leeds United still uncertain.
Bamford has been a huge part of the club since he joined from Middlesbrough in 2018. He has had his ups and downs for the club, but his 16 goals in the 2019/20 season were key to Leeds’ promotion push.
He also scored 17 goals in the Premier League as Leeds United made history, becoming the newly promoted club with the highest goals and points tally in the league over the last 20 years.
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Leeds United will find it difficult to move Patrick Bamford
Credit: Imago Images
Over the last three seasons of football, Patrick Bamford has averaged over just 10 league starts. His injury issues and fitness concerns have been a major topic over the past few seasons.
Just last week, fans and people around the club questioned if he wants to be at Leeds United after his cameo against Millwall. With the team losing 1-0, Daniel Farke decided to bring Bamford on to try and rescue a point. Leeds eventually lost, but after full time his body language showed frustration.
It raised questions about the striker, with the January window coming up. But now Beren Cross has suggested that the chances of Bamford remaining at the club in January are very high. His wages have put off a lot of clubs looking for a short term addition. Also, Daniel Farke sees Bamford as a reliable backup to Joel Piroe, alongside Mateo Joseph and plans to move forward with the trio.
Experienced striker staying at the club is not the worst option
Bamford is 31 years old, injury prone and has one of the highest salaries in the championship. It would be close to impossible to see him leave in January or in the next summer. With his contract expiring in 2026, the best option is to keep him around the squad and use him in games when he is fit.
This season, Leeds lost the goals of Summerville and Rutter and have had to rely on Joel Piroe. Brenden Aaronson has also chipped in with his share, but has slowed down in recent weeks, which Daniel Farke blames on fatigue.
Last season, Bamford contributed eight goals in the league despite not being a starter. Keeping an experienced member of the squad who can step in now and then is a useful option for Leeds in the fight for promotion.
