Patrick Bamford exit verdict shared after Leeds United transfer rumours
David Norris believes Patrick Bamford will receive limited game time over the course of this season, but will still stay at Leeds United.
The ex-Whites midfielder acknowledges that Daniel Farke has nominated Mateo Joseph as his first-choice striker this season, further stunting Bamford’s opportunities.
The one-time England striker has been linked with a move away [Daily Mail, 16 May] having fallen down the pecking order in recent times and struggled with his fitness, compounded by an issue which ruled him out of last week’s win at Sheffield Wednesday.
“I still think Bamford will stay for the whole season – they’re short on numbers and he has that experience of playing for the club and the fans,” Norris exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“As I’ve said before, he has that up-and-down relationship with them. But he has always seemed settled there.
“He will be the one that’s down the pecking order, though.”
Patrick Bamford could benefit from leaving Leeds United
There is still plenty to offer from Patrick Bamford should he enjoy a season free of injury during the remaining years of his career – he has shown it in swathes in the past, including in the Premier League.
But no signs look towards the 30-year-old playing regularly again for Leeds – their attack has almost left him behind – and he’ll get games over the course of this season purely due to the limited numbers in Farke’s squad.
Depending on any further incomings at Elland Road, Bamford may find himself frozen out, and he is far too good a player on his day to be caught up in that situation.
Piroe is in a different but similar boat, and will be in and out of the team barring any injury to Joseph. Due to the system Farke favours, the Dutchman will often find himself out wide rather than as a central striker.
Leeds must find a place for their experienced marksmen – and notably high earners – once their squad is finally settled after the transfer deadline.
In other Leeds news, there could be a last-minute departure for Max Wober as a bid is readied.
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