Leeds United Contract Priority Emerges

Leeds United are facing a crucial decision about the future of striker Patrick Bamford, whose contract has less than two years remaining.

While Leeds recently secured Wilfried Gnonto’s future with a four-year deal, Bamford’s future remains uncertain. The club, now owned by 49ers Enterprises, are reported to be ‘committed’ to handing their striker a new deal, despite recent struggles.

Bamford, who arrived at Leeds from Middlesbrough for £7 million in 2018, has had a mixed tenure at Elland Road. He was instrumental in Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League in 2020 and had a standout season in the top flight, scoring 17 goals during the 2020-21 campaign. However, injuries have plagued his career since then, limiting his appearances and form. Over the last three years, Bamford has struggled to stay fit, and his goal-scoring output has significantly declined.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that despite these issues, Leeds view Bamford as a “priority” for a contract extension. Jacobs told Give Me Sport, “Bamford, I’m told, is a priority, though, and he’s willing to extend and has never had an issue playing in the Championship compared to other options. He’s very loyal to Leeds, he doesn’t want to go anywhere at this stage.”

Leeds United’s ownership will need to balance Bamford’s loyalty and history with the reality of his ongoing injury problems. Jacobs added, “The consideration there will be whether he can stay fit and whether Leeds wish to offer a long-term contract, knowing that he’s had so many unfortunate problems with injuries.”

The 49ers Enterprises, who took full control of the club earlier this year, have already shown they are not afraid to make bold decisions in the transfer market. As Leeds look to push for promotion back to the Premier League, the ownership group will have to assess whether extending Bamford’s contract aligns with their long-term goals.

Leeds currently have Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph as striking options, with both players impressing early in the Championship season. Piroe, signed from Swansea, has quickly become a key figure, making Bamford’s role in the squad even more uncertain.

At this stage, Bamford could find himself as the third-choice striker, a role that may not justify a long-term contract, particularly if the club returns to the Premier League, where Bamford’s recent performances have suggested he may struggle.

Who Is Patrick Bamford?

Bamford began his youth career at Nottingham Forest before making his first-team debut in 2011. His early performances attracted the attention of Chelsea, who signed him in January 2012 for a reported £1.5 million. Despite high hopes, Bamford never made a senior appearance for Chelsea, instead embarking on a series of loan spells to gain experience.

His first few loans included stints at MK Dons, Derby County, and Middlesbrough, where he showed glimpses of his goal-scoring ability. His standout season came at Middlesbrough during the 2014-15 Championship campaign, where he scored 17 goals in 38 appearances. This earned him the Championship Player of the Year award and helped Middlesbrough reach the play-off final, although they narrowly missed promotion to the Premier League.

Despite his success in the Championship, Bamford struggled to establish himself in the Premier League. Limited opportunities and few goals marked subsequent loan spells at Crystal Palace, Norwich City, and Burnley. It wasn’t until he returned to Middlesbrough on a permanent deal in 2017 that he found his feet again, scoring 11 goals in 39 appearances across two seasons.

In 2018, Leeds United signed Bamford for £7 million, eventually defining his career. Under manager Marcelo Bielsa, Bamford played a crucial role in Leeds’ 2019-20 Championship-winning season, scoring 16 goals and helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year absence. His hard work and adaptability in Bielsa’s pressing system were widely praised.

Bamford’s most prolific season came in 2020-21, his first back in the Premier League. He scored 17 goals in 38 appearances, finishing as one of the league’s top scorers. His performances earned him a call-up to the England national team, where he made his debut in a 2021 World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

However, Bamford’s career has been marred by injuries since that breakout Premier League season. The 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns were plagued by fitness issues, limiting his appearances and contributing to Leeds’ relegation in 2023. Despite this, he remains a central figure at the club, with discussions ongoing about a contract extension as Leeds look to bounce back to the Premier League.

Writer’s View

Bamford’s commitment to the club is unquestionable. His willingness to stay at Leeds, even after their relegation to the Championship, highlights his loyalty, which could play a key role in the club’s decision to renew his contract. However, the question remains whether Bamford can stay fit enough to contribute meaningfully to the team moving forward.

Bamford’s time at Leeds has been characterized by moments of brilliance but also long periods of absence due to injury. During his peak, he was the club’s talisman, leading them to their best Premier League finish in nearly two decades. However, Leeds may now be considering whether the 30-year-old striker can be part of their future plans, especially if they aim for promotion and Premier League stability.

If Bamford can prove his fitness and rediscover his form, there may still be a place for him at Elland Road. However, with two years left on his contract and ongoing injury concerns, the 49ers may be hesitant to offer him a long-term deal. Leeds have already shown they are forward-thinking, tying up younger talents like Gnonto, and they may prefer to invest in younger players who can grow with the club.

In contrast, Bamford’s resale value is likely minimal given his injury history, and Leeds may choose to part ways while they can still command a transfer fee.