Patrick Bamford exit news emerges with six big-name deals on the cards at Leeds United
Patrick Bamford is one of a number of stars who may leave Leeds United this summer, according to The Daily Mail.
The newspaper have reported in their online edition (23 June) that six first-team stars could quit Leeds this summer following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
One of these stars is striker Patrick Bamford with forwards Rodrigo, Wilfried Gnoto, Luis Sinisterra, midfielder Tyler Adams and goalkeeper Illan Meslier also on the list.
Bamford joined Leeds from Middlesbrough for a fee of around £5million in the summer of 2018 and scored 10 goals in all competitions in his first season with the club.
The following year he was a key part of the Whites’ Championship winning squad and return to the Premier League as he scored 16 goals and provided four assists in 45 league matches.
His form got even better upon Leeds’ arrival in the Premier League as he scored 17 goals and provided eight assists, however, he has only managed to find the net 11 times in all competitions over the past two seasons.
Time for a change
There is no doubt that Bamford has slowed down over the past two years.
After an electric first Premier League season with Leeds where the former Chelsea man was involved in 25 goals, he could only manage nine appearances the following season.
His form hasn’t shown much sign of improvement either as he hit the net just four times in 28 appearances last time out as the club were relegated back to the Championship after a three-year journey in England’s top flight.
At the age of 29 and with his form clearly declining it is probably best for the club to move Bamford on and look for a fresh, younger and hungrier option up front.
Even if Leeds were to get instantly promoted, Bamford would be turning 31 in the club’s next stint in the Premier League and by that point, with the way things are going, would surely be well past his best.
Whatever happens with the striker’s future, he was a key part of Leeds’ return to the Premier League and fans will always be grateful for that.