Leeds United must avoid Patrick Bamford mistake amid Southampton transfer talk
Leeds United may want to reconsider the future of forward Patrick Bamford as Southampton seemingly emerge as genuine contenders for a January transfer.
The 31-year-old has fallen to the back of the pecking order behind Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe, with the forward reportedly eager to leave Elland Road [Carlton Palmer].
Daniel Farke’s side have not struggled for goals this season, and they have enjoyed a resurgence up the Championship table as of late, to sit three points behind league leaders Sunderland in third place.
Despite Bamford’s lack of action, Saints Marching reports, as relayed by Caught Offside [24 October] that Premier League strugglers Southampton are interested in a six-month loan move, meaning a potentially big decision for the club.
Leeds United should re-consider Patrick Bamford stance
While Joseph and Piroe have emerged as the preferred options for the Whites this season, their fortunes in front of goal have hardly caught the league alight this season.
Joseph has scored only twice in 11 league outings whereas Piroe has scored four goals in the same amount of appearances.
The Spaniard has received his fair share of slack for his performances at Elland Road while the pair fight for the starting spot under Farke, but overlooking Bamford could prove to be the side’s downfall.
Bamford proved he is still a viable option as he enters the twilight years of his career with eight league goals last term. Yet if Southampton, a side still without a win in the Premier League this season, believes the forward can provide the goals to secure their top-flight status, why is the feeling different at Leeds?
Farke has already learned the hard way this season how quickly the injuries can pile up in the Championship, and with so much football left to be played, the German cannot afford to lose a viable attacking option.
However, Bamford seems set on an Elland Road departure, and the decision may be out of the club’s hands.
Regardless of how the situation pans out, Farke has opted to trust potential over experience for Leeds, the supporters will hope this decision does not cost the side’s bid for automatic promotion.
In other Leeds United news, here’s everything you need to know for the Whites’ clash against Bristol City.
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