Patrick Bamford exit speculated after shock Leeds transfer news
Leeds United would not have been able to send Patrick Bamford out on loan to League One as he would have scoffed at the move, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, has analysed the last knockings of the winter transfer window at Elland Road, during which no signings arrived in West Yorkshire.
The Whites were interested in a move for Cameron Archer from Southampton, but the Saints would not sanction the deal and peripheral figure Bamford subsequently remained.
Bamford ‘would not fancy’ Wrexham
Darke believes Bamford would have refused a move to League One, with Wrexham having been linked with an ambitious move for the former England international’s services.
As it was, the North Wales outfit ended up signing Jay Rodriguez from Leeds’ promotion rivals Burnley, while Bamford remains out of Daniel Farke’s reckoning.
Farke has insisted he “values” the 31-year-old, who is currently out injured in any case, and whose contract runs until the summer of 2026 which was signed in the Premier League days.
“I don’t know where Bamford really could have gone, though an exit for him could’ve been one of those moves to happen very late in the window,” said Darke to MOT Leeds News.
“Without knowing or talking to him, it’s hard to make the assessment of whether he is comfortable there, but it could have been that Leeds would’ve encouraged a loan for him if they’d signed Archer or another striker.
“I know Wrexham were linked, but I can’t imagine Bamford would’ve fancied League One.”
Bamford could still turn it around at Leeds United
It only takes one twist of fate for an outside figure in a squad to become an important player, and Bamford’s talent propped up Leeds going forward once upon a time.
While the experienced frontman will be looking at life after Leeds and where best to continue his career, Farke at least will have another option once Bamford’s hamstring has recovered.
Bamford has not played more than 26 minutes in a single league game this season, and his only start this campaign came in the 3-0 home defeat to former side Middlesbrough back in August in the Carabao Cup first round.