Patrick Bamford plays for Leeds in defeat after major exit news
Patrick Bamford seems destined to leave Leeds this summer after spending seven seasons wearing their colours.
The frontman has found the back of the net on 60 occasions for the Whites, and has been involved in two separate promotions to the Premier League, but he is now seemingly on his way out.
Daniel Farke has told Bamford that he won’t be part of his plans in the top flight this term, which has left the 31-year-old to explore a move away from the West Yorkshire outfit.
He has struggled badly with injuries over the last few years, and his form has deteriorated to the point where he is no longer an adequate option to lead the line.
Bamford features in Leeds XI managed by Jonny Howson
Farke’s decision regarding Bamford has prompted plenty of speculation as to where the striker may be playing his football next season.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, the former Chelsea and Middlesbrough man has been spotted turning out for a Leeds team in a recent friendly.
The Whites sent a side comprised predominantly of young players to the North East to take on Hartlepool United as part of their summer preparations, and Bamford featured as part of the XI, as shared by Roy Kelly via X (26 July).
Eight teenagers were named among the Leeds squad, while Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood all received minutes in the game.
Former Whites midfielder Jonny Howson was named among the substitutes, and the 37-year-old is also understood to have taken charge of the team.
The youthful Leeds XI were beaten 3-0 by their National League opponents.
Bamford should be doing everything he can to find another club
Now that Leeds have made their intentions for Bamford perfectly clear, he must surely be keen to find himself a new club as quickly as possible.
He has been a fantastic servant to the Whites over the years, but now that he has no way back into the fold, it makes sense for him to get away for the good of his career.
| Seasons | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 7 | 204 | 60 | 20 |
The veteran has had numerous injury issues throughout his time in the game, and he must be keen to maximise every opportunity that he has left to play.
It may be a fairly bitter way for his time at Elland Road to draw to a close, but from Bamford’s perspective, he needs to ensure he gives himself the best possible chance of prolonging his career, and he won’t do that by rotting away behind the scenes at Leeds.
Sign up for the MOT Leeds News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Leeds United news sent straight to your phone.