Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is reportedly “ready to leave” the club this summer as he questions his future at Elland Road.
Leeds have plenty of decisions to make this summer in terms of incomings and outgoings, after a disastrous 22/23 season saw them relegated from the Premier League.
Patrick Bamford ended the season as the club’s faltering main striker, lamenting missed chances in the run-in as Leeds ended up five points adrift of safety in 19th.
Mail Plus have claimed this week that the striker is now “ready to leave” as he weighs up his summer options at Elland Road.
Here, we look at two reasons why is might be the right time for Bamford to part ways with Leeds this summer…
His relationship with the fans
Plenty of times, we’ve seen players at various clubs overcome a less-than-desirable relationship with their own fanbase – Liam Cooper is a prime example of someone previously not rated by a vocal majority, ending up lifting the Championship title and nearing testimonial territory (deservedly so).
Bamford, though, after his penalty miss against Newcastle back in May saw the frustration tip towards him having just lost the fans completely, while some of that was disgusting and abusive.
Those fans don’t speak for most of the fanbase, but what is does represent is what it to come unfortunately if the club persevere down this road.
Fans won’t be happy if we line up against Cardiff City knowing Bamford is the leading number nine for the season.
The Elland Road faithful appreciate that last season’s failings don’t come down to a striker not scoring his chances, but they massively contribute to it and are remembered just as much as an owner being unable to swallow his pride and replace him properly.
His own good
At 29, Bamford needs to be playing regularly, and that does not look like it’s going to be the case under Daniel Farke, who already has his eyes on strikers such as Swansea City’s Joel Piroe.
Him staying as a squad player that backs up Piroe won’t do his career any good and just further adds to the concerning decline since that masterclass 20/21 campaign in the top flight.
Leeds need to improve on him and intend to, but that means that Bamford needs to leave in order to get back to his best, which is a good level in the Championship.
