It’s been a hectic summer for Leeds United, as they embarked on a first season back in the Premier League since 2023. The Whites were relegated in 19th place in the 2022/2023, despite being in the top four after three games.
Many incomings and outgoings have occurred this window. Sean Longstaff, Dominic Calvert Lewin and Noah Okafor have all penned permanent deals at Elland Road. Meanwhile, Junior Firpo, Maximilian Wober and Largie Ramazani have all departed the West Yorkshire side. Additionally, another player has just left the club.
Long Serving Player Leaves Leeds United
Via a statement on the club’s website, Leeds United have announced that a mutual agreement has been reached with Patrick Bamford for the striker to end his contract early.
Bamford was told by manager Daniel Farke that he wasn’t in his plans for the future back in June. As a result, the Englishman has been on the lookout for a new club ever since, with no suitors so far. Bamford’s high wages were thought to be putting club’s off, but that will no longer be an issue.
Leeds have started this season off in mixed fashion. An opening day win against Everton had spirits high. However, a five-nil thrashing at the Emirates against Arsenal was followed by a Carabao cup exit to a youthful Sheffield Wednesday side.
Patrick Bamford’s Leeds United Career
Bamford joined Leeds United from Middlesbrough in 2018 for a fee believed to be £10 million. He opted to take the number nine shirt and has kept it ever since.
An injury hit maiden season meant the striker was limited in appearances. However, Bamford managed to reach double figures in a Leeds side that lost to Frank Lampard‘s Derby County in the play-off semi finals.
In the 2019/202 season, Bamford netted 16 times as Leeds were crowned champions. The Whites ended a 16 year top flight drought.
In Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League, the forward scored 17 times as Marcelo Bielsa’s side finished ninth, narrowly missing out on European football. It’s this form that made Sir Gareth Southgate call Bamford up to his England squad. He made his Three Lions debut in September 2021 against Andorra.
Bamford had clearly hit his peak, after two seasons of injury and struggle in front of goal followed. The striker was blamed by angry fans for Leeds’ relegation in 2023.
More injury woes followed in the Championship and Bamford and Leeds have decided to sever all ties earlier than expected. The striker spent seven years at Elland Road.
Where Next?
The sensible option for Bamford is a move to League One. This could be the fresh start the striker needs to regain his form and confidence that earned him a senior England cap four years ago.
However, Bamford’s wages mean a move to the Championship is more likely. A lower end Championship side could also be what the former Chelsea man needs to regain his form and confidence.
His injury-plagued past means any move will likely be a short term deal.