Patrick Bamford could leave Leeds United in most interesting scenario of the transfer window
Patrick Bamford potential departure from Leeds United this summer is one of the “most interesting scenarios” of the transfer window, according Graham Smyth.
In his Yorkshire Evening Post Q&A on the paper’s website on 14 June the journalist claimed that the Englishman is a “streaky” striker who has shouldered a heavy burden of responsibility at Elland Road through extensive injury issues, and that “it has not been easy for him at Leeds, on and off the pitch”, so he might be ready to move on.
At the same time though Smyth admitted that manager Daniel Farke loves Bamford and that the Whites “always seem to miss him when he doesn’t play” so without an obvious like-for-like replacement it might be a risk to let him go.
Add in the fact that his high wages might make him difficult for suitors to afford if he can’t guarantee he will play many games and it creates a situation that could feasibly go either way.
Daniel Farke a big fan of Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford
Bamford has not made it easy on himself at times but he has also been the target of abuse that no player deserves, but even after the signing of Joel Piroe and the emergence of Georginio Rutter there is arguably nobody who can fulfil his role at Leeds United.
Perhaps Mateo Joseph could but the youngster doesn’t appear to be the same sort of player despite them both being strikers.
There were suggestions a year ago that Bamford, 30, was ready to leave after a miserable end to the relegation season.
And the first half of the season under Farke in the Championship suggested he should have done as he struggled to get into the side and when he did he arguably did more harm than good.
But his elevation into the starting XI at the turn of the year saw him score seven league goals in 10 games and play a key role in the Whites’ best run of form all season to prove what he can still offer.
He can be a polarising character at times but, in the system that Leeds United play, he still looks to be the best number nine in the squad if fit, so Farke will need to be sure he has got an adequate replacement if Bamford is to finally move on.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has issued an “absolutely certain” verdict as the Whites look to make a key signing.
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