Leeds United may have been freed up to release Patrick Bamford following unexpected occurrences during the international break, according to a joking Adam Pope.
On September 9, the BBC journalist reacted to Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet following left-back Junior Firpo’s surprising switch as a forward for the Dominican Republic on international duty.
The Whites were reportedly looking to sell both players during the transfer window [Daily Mail, 1 July], and a late striker signing was expected before the deadline [Daily Mail, 24 August], but in a lighthearted exchange, it was suggested that the solution is already in-house.
Jonny Buchan (4m 55s) responded to Firpo’s debut as a number nine by saying: “We’ve seen him finish, we’ve seen his attacking prowess, when he went on his streak of assists last season. In some ways, he’s better equipped to play on that end of the field.”
Simon Rix said, “Amazing, so we can sell Bamford.” “He’s the backup striker we all knew we needed.”
According to the Pope: “Just cancel his contract, he can go on a free if Firpo’s that good.”
Junior Firpo a Leeds United forward following his Dominican Republic role?
Firpo’s comeback at Elland Road over the last year has been nearly as dramatic as Bamford’s fall from glory in recent seasons, with the full-back becoming a cult hero among fans.
His big troubles in the Premier League after moving from Barcelona have given way to considerably more spectacular performances as a Championship operator, with assists being a key component of his game.
He scored another while playing in an attacking role against Dominica [Joe Donnohue, 10 September], implying he might be used as an emergency option by Daniel Farke if injuries occur in West Yorkshire.
Unfortunately for Bamford, fitness issues have contributed significantly to him increasingly dividing sentiment among the public, and a further layoff this season dashed any faint hopes of a transfer away before the deadline.
Although the Englishman scored a crucial run of goals as a starter at the start of 2024, the previous few years have been dominated by injury absences and a clear desire to make up for lost time when he has been available.
Too frequently, the burden he’s put on himself to contribute has resulted in mistakes like missed penalties, which have only exacerbated the situation, but Leeds have arguably never replaced him as a true number nine.
Mateo Joseph’s emergence may remedy this, although neither he nor last summer’s signing Joel Piroe are comparable replacements.
Obviously, neither is Firpo, but if the recruitment department decided not to sign a new striker this summer but did eventually sign a new left-back in Isaac Schmidt, stranger things have happened at Elland Road than the Dominican Republic international getting a run out in attack under Farke at some point.
