Patrick Bamford 'devastated' by Leeds United exit as 'monster money' claim made
Patrick Bamford's emotional Leeds United exit was confirmed last week.
Bamford's contract with Leeds was terminated by mutual consent as the Whites looked to get the 31-year-old off their books.
The former England international was informed by Daniel Farke that he would not feature for Leeds in the new Premier League campaign, and justifiably so, given the multiple seasons of poor form and injury issues.
With the striker still on the lookout for his next club, former Leeds defender Jon Newsome had his say on the situation.
Patrick Bamford was on 'monster money' at Leeds, claims Jon Newsome
With Darko Gyabi's move to Hull City being the only piece of business Leeds were involved with on deadline day, Bamford's exit was the last bit of significant change Farke's squad underwent before the window closed.
This in itself is comical, but although the 49ers are currently being heavily criticised for their lack of transfer activity, the decision they made to terminate Bamford's contract was a correct one.
Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on 1 September, BBC Radio Leeds pundit Newsome agreed with this sentiment.
"I’m sure Patrick is devastated, but I bet there is an element of relief”, said Newsome, who is now a FIFA-registered agent.
"He’s had injuries, a bit of stick, and now he’s got a fresh start.
“I do believe he was on monster money. I understand why the club let them go.”
- Newsome made 76 appearances for the Whites between 1991 and 1994
- The defender was a part of the famous 1992 Leeds squad that won the final ever First Division title
- His crucial goal against Sheffield United on the second-last weekend of the season meant he was eligible for a winners' medal
Bamford was reportedly earning £70,000 a week at Leeds, so it is no wonder that they found it so hard to get a potential suitor for the forward.
However, with PSR potentially being a reason why the 49ers couldn't spend on deadline day, it is a fair question to ask: What took them so long to get Bamford off the books?
Leeds have upgraded their options up top, but not enough
Although it's early days, it is evident that Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a pair are clear upgrades on Joel Piroe and Bamford.
The formerly named pair have displayed glimpses of promise so far, whilst Piroe has looked completely out of his depth in the top-flight.
However, despite the 49ers' two recruits being upgrades, they have arguably not raised the ceiling within the squad enough.
Leeds still look blunt up top, and they could've still been playing at Elland Road against Newcastle now without scoring by the looks of them so far this season.
So, while Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin may provide sharper movement and more of a physical presence, particularly when compared to Piroe, both new signings still have major question marks over them.
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