Leeds United transfer news: Phil Hay shares ‘complicated’ update on Patrick Bamford exit amid Elland Road ‘friction’
Patrick Bamford’s possible departure from Leeds United this summer is “complicated” and will “dictate” incoming transfer activity at striker says Phil Hay.
After a rough pair of seasons with injury concluded with relegation Mail Plus reported on Monday (10 July) that the 29-year-old is “ready” to leave the club.
The Englishman received threats on social media after a missed penalty in the dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle late in the relegation battle, prompting then-manager Sam Allardyce to call for the police to get more involved [Sky Sports, 19 May], and while The Athletic’s Hay has already suggested this summer a move might be necessary he doesn’t believe it is straightforward.
Speaking on The Square Ball on Tuesday (11 July, 23m 8s) Hay said: “Bamford is under contract for a while yet, it runs to 2026, so what happens there is probably more complicated.
“I think that will depend on how he’s feeling as much as anything. It wasn’t a great season for him last season, there was friction between him and the crowd again.
“So where does that go? I think the answer to that will dictate what they do in terms of signing forwards.”
Unwanted?
A fully-fit Bamford would be an attractive option for most sides up to at least lower-Premier League level, but he has so rarely been in that condition recently it may be that there aren’t many takers for him this summer.
If he were to go it would force Leeds United to actually sign a central striker to replace him, rather than endlessly chase supporting forwards.
With the pressure of being the only out-and-out number nine in the first team squad weighing heavily on him through regular fitness struggles Bamford’s form inevitably suffered, and the high profile miss against Leicester late on last term followed by the penalty against Newcastle, and what followed, may have made up his mind.
But with two years to go on his deal it could be a struggle to find a suitable manner to part ways unless a club comes in with an offer for him, which would surely be a loan since there are no injury guarantees.
Notwithstanding the way last season ended, if he were to stay he would surely benefit from a new forward being brought in to take some of the load off him.
If he isn’t expected to be the main man then perhaps he can regain some regular fitness, and with 61 Championship goals in his career it is the level he has had most success at.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites want to bring in a “great signing” in midfield who is expected to leave his current club.