Daniel Farke to make Patrick Bamford decision at Leeds United as January looms

Patrick Bamford could make a return to the Leeds United side sooner rather than later with January in mind.

While the 31-year-old long-serving frontman appears comfortable at Elland Road, he has played just 76 minutes of Championship football and has neither started, assisted nor scored in the league this season.

But with Mateo Joseph having drawn a blank for his club since 18 October and Joel Piroe constantly in and out of Daniel Farke’s reckoning, Bamford could be more integrated into the team with a possible look to January.

Leeds United could play Bamford to sell him

While much has been made of the one-time England striker’s fading Leeds career, Bamford has never really been linked with a concrete move away from Elland Road.

A bumper contract in the Premier League was seemingly slashed in the wake of the club’s 2023 relegation, but Bamford himself will know he is strongly unlikely to receive a better financial remuneration for the rest of his career.

It would be a shame to see him fade out his days in West Yorkshire, as when injury is put to one side, he still has plenty to offer. With January in mind, Farke may want to place him closer to the shop window – at least for a loan to ease the wage bill – by offering more Championship action with so many games over the festive period.

Patrick Bamford in a hoodie arriving with the Leeds team prior to kick-off.
Credit: Imago

Squad depth is required, and it’s something Leeds possess in attack where they don’t as much in other areas, consequently leaving the likes of Bamford and Joe Gelhardt on the periphery.

But a start or a goal thrown in for good measure could do him the world of good, and could be beneficial for the Whites in the upcoming market – if not in January, then certainly next summer with Bamford’s contract not up until 2026.

In other Leeds news, Max Wober is attracting interest from across the Red Bull empire.

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