Leeds United told to make Patrick Bamford exit decision as January transfer mooted
Carlton Palmer has told Leeds United to “offload” Patrick Bamford during the January transfer window after new developments.
The former England international is yet to start a Championship game for Daniel Farke’s side this term and has even admitted that he was keen to leave Elland Road when the Whites were relegated [BBC’s Football Daily EFL 72+, 9 October].
While it is unclear whether or not the Whites were willing to sanction the striker’s exit, Football League World pundit believes the time has come for Leeds to get his “huge wages” off of the books.
As quoted by Football League World (20 October) he said: “It’s rumoured that Patrick Bamford has said he wants to leave Leeds in the summer.
“I’m a big admirer of Bamford, he’s just picked up a lot of injuries. His game time has been very, very limited this season, and he’s on huge money, so I can’t see Leeds offering him a new contract, I just don’t see how that works.
“One thing Bamford can do is score goals at this level, and you would think that an experienced player could help the young players at the football club.
“Do you keep him in the building hoping that he can score goals at a higher level or do you take the money in January and let him go?
“For me, given his injury problems, I think I would offload him in January and look to bring another striker who can add to your tally.
“Depending on where you are in the league, you might also be looking to bring a player into the football club that can play in the Premier League as well.
“In my opinion, I think time’s up for Bamford at Leeds United. He’s had very little to offer in the last few years due to injury and unfortunately, when that happens, it’s time to move those types of players on.”
Will Patrick Bamford exit Leeds United amid Elland Road transfer rumours?
It is clear that Bamford is not part of Farke’s long-term plan moving forward at Elland Road. While the Whites boss has insisted the forward still has a role to play, he has been reluctant to use him in the Championship this term.
The 31-year-old showed last season that he can still have a major impact in England’s second tier as his goals in the second half of the campaign kept the Whites within touching distance of the automatic promotion places.
But with Mateo Joseph in red-hot form and Joel Piroe in position as back-up, Bamford is unlikely to feature on a regular basis unless both of Farke’s first-choice options pick up an injury or suspension.
Partner that with the threat of a potential PSR breach at Elland Road and it seems like getting the 31-year-old’s wages off of the books would be the best course of action when January rolls around at Elland Road.
It will be interesting to see what sort of clubs are interested in a mid-season deal for the Whites frontman.
In other Leeds United news, one Sky pundit was quick to slam a Whites player for a “dreadful” moment against the Blades
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