Patrick Bamford to have best of both worlds post-Leeds after tiny Sheffield United detail
Patrick Bamford officially joined Sheffield United on Thursday to end his hiatus without a club since leaving Leeds United.
Bamford was let go by Leeds at the end of last season as he was deemed not good enough to play a part in this season’s Premier League campaign at Elland Road.
Former England international Bamford’s decision to join Sheffield United is considered an act of betrayal by some given the rivalry between the Yorkshire clubs.
There is also the small matter of Bamford leading chants against Chris Wilder, who is back in charge at Bramall Lane, while a Leeds player.
All that has been brushed under the carpet, however, and Leeds fans cannot really begrudge Bamford the opportunity to revive his career at a decent level.
Sheffield United confirm length of Patrick Bamford’s contract
What is perhaps more surprising is the fact that, as confirmed by Sheffield United’s official website on Thursday, Bamford has only signed until January.
That means Bamford has just nine matches to make any sort of impression. That may sound a large number of the face of it, but the Englishman will not be starting most of those.
Again, though, it does make sense when you delve a little deeper. Bamford has had fitness issues, so tying him down for the next six months doesn’t make sense for Sheffield United.
It also means that Bamford can fulfil his wish of playing abroad sooner rather than later.
Indeed, Bamford was training with Getafe not so long ago and it looked as though a move to LaLiga would go through, but that did not prove the case.
Had Bamford got his wish, you’d imagine he’d be playing abroad right now. With the 2025-26 campaign three months old, though, he simply could not hold out for a team any longer.
And that means he is getting the best of both worlds.
It is a marriage of convenience in many ways, then, and leaves the door open for Bamford – you’d imagine – to find a team abroad early in 2026.
What has Bamford said about playing abroad?
Speaking earlier this year, Bamford said playing abroad is something he’s “always wanted to do” at some point in his career in order to “experience a new country”.
He’s also spoken more specifically about playing in the United States being “one of the options”, but he would first need to green light from his wife.
Bamford is now aged 32 and, based on his recent fitness issues, he is not likely to play much beyond the age of 37.
It is therefore in his best interests to keep himself in the shop window for now, which is very much what this move to Sheffield United will do.
But do not be surprised to then see him head abroad for the swansong of his career.
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