Patrick Bamford’s ‘undoubted quality’ makes Leeds United striker investment ‘financially inviable’ if he stays
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Leeds United buying another striker is not financially viable for 49ers Enterprises if Patrick Bamford commits his future to the club, according to Paul Robinson.
The club have been linked with Swansea City’s Joel Piroe in a bid to add goals to their frontline while also being set to lose the likes of Willy Gnonto and, perhaps Bamford [Daily Mail].
Bamford struggled in his last Elland Road campaign, only scoring four goals for Leeds and missing stints of the season through injury after missing almost all of 2021/22. He got off the mark in pre-season against Nottingham Forest on Thursday (27 July) and will hope to add more next season.
However, the Englishman scored 33 goals across two seasons in Leeds’ Championship-winning and Premier League return, showing that he has goals in his locker.
Robinson claims that should Bamford stay at the club, Leeds should not look any further than the 29-year-old, who has “undoubted qualities” in the Championship.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “Well, I think you look at the way that the, that far plays and the striker is integral to the way that he plays.
“But I think there’s a lot of talk about certain strikers and certain links to Leeds United, but also at the bottom of every report and every link you look, it’s all dependent on Patrick Bamford’s future and Rutter. What’s happening with Rutter, the club’s record signing?
“Leeds have players in that position and I think financially, it’s not viable for Leeds to go into the market and go and invest again if they’ve got somebody of Bamford’s quality wanting to stay.
“Patrick’s got undoubted qualities. He’s just not done it for the last 12, 18 months.
“We’ve seen that due to injuries and due to not playing for whatever reason, but the season that Leeds got promoted the goals he scored were significant.
“If he can replicate that again in the Championship and if he’s fit and if he’s wanting to stay and you’ve got him in the right mindset willing to stay, then I don’t think you need to look past him.
“Yes, you obviously need backup in that area because it’s the way that the manager plays. A number nine is integral to his formation and the way he plays.
“But as if Patrick’s fit and then firing as your, as your number nine, you look for support around that and you go with him as your main man.”
In other Leeds United news, a returning loan star reveals his Elland Road “dream” after being tipped for Championship game time.