Graham Smyth believes Patrick Bamford’s likely move from Leeds United this summer is one of the “most interesting scenarios” of the transfer season.
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 shoulder a heavy burden of responsibility at Elland Road due to extensive injury issues, and that “it has not been easy for him at Leeds, on and off the pitch,” implying that he may be ready to leave.
At the same time, Smyth noted that manager Daniel Farke adores Bamford and that the Whites “always seem to miss him when he doesn’t play,” so releasing him without an obvious like-for-like replacement could be risky.
Add in the reality that his hefty pay may make him tough for suitors to afford if he cannot promise he will play many games, and you have a situation that may easily go either way.
Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is a fan of Daniel Farke.
Despite facing self-adversity and abuse, Bamford continues to play an important role at the club, even with the addition of Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter.
Mateo Joseph may be able to, but the youngster does not appear to be the same type of player, despite the fact that both are strikers.
Mateo Joseph may be able to, but the youngster does not appear to be the same type of player, despite the fact that both are strikers.
A year ago, there were reports that Bamford, 30, was ready to quit following a disappointing relegation season.
And the first half of the season in the Championship under Farke suggested he could have done better, as he struggled to break into the starting lineup and, when he did, perhaps did more harm than good.
However, his promotion to the starting XI at the turn of the year saw him score seven league goals in ten games and play an important role in the Whites’ best run of form all season, demonstrating what he can still provide.
He can be a divisive figure at times, but in the system that Leeds United use, he still appears to be the best number nine in the club when healthy, so Farke will need to ensure he has a sufficient successor if Bamford is to ultimately leave.
