Leeds now just ‘days away from £540,000 Bamford howler’ amid Thorp Arch update
Leeds United fans have lived through 283 days since Patrick Bamford last scored a first-team goal in a competitive setting.
That goal came in a stunning 4-3 win away at Middlesbrough on 22 April when Bamford, now 31, scored his 60th and most recent goal for the Yorkshire giants.
Since then, he’s played in just 11 matches adding up to 213 minutes and – to the surprise of absolutely no one – scored zero goals.
Injuries have been a huge issue for Bamford. We’re not going to sit here and bemoan him for them because even the best players in the world have issues with injuries and fitness.
However, what’s been unacceptable across the striker’s entire time at Elland Road has been his inability to find the back of the net when he’s expected to.
Yes, Bamford has 60 goals. But you’d bet he could have at least 100 even with the same injuries.
And now, he’s crocked. The Athletic journalist Beren Cross reported on Thursday (30 January) that he’s the only first-team player not currently training with the squad at Thorp Arch. Sat on the sidelines while earning £30,000-a-week (The Football League Paper).
Leeds on verge of costly Bamford error
Leeds currently have the chance to get Bamford and his obscene wages off their books.
However, the clock is ticking with the transfer window set to slam shut on Monday (3 February).
If Leeds fail to get rid of the former Chelsea striker before 11pm on deadline day, they’ll be locked into having him until at least 12 June when the summer transfer window opens – unless the club somehow agrees to terminate his contract.
Between the winter deadline and the summer window opening, Leeds will be paying around £540,000 in wages to Bamford.
That doesn’t account for any potential pay rises or bonuses for winning promotion, which looks likely this season even without Bamford playing any role.
It’ll be difficult for Leeds to get rid of the one-time England centre-forward due to his wages, poor form and the fact he’s currently injured. But it’s got to be worth a go.
Surely there’s someone in the USA or Saudi Pro League that’s willing to take that kind of player?
In other Leeds news, this £15million striker wants to sign for the Whites.
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