Leeds United Eyeing Promotion to Premier League as Patrick Bamford’s Future Remains Uncertain
A 1-0 win over Oxford United on Good Friday has brought Leeds United closer to securing promotion to the Premier League, with manager Daniel Farke’s side now on the brink of achieving their goal. However, the future of long-serving forward Patrick Bamford remains uncertain, with the striker’s game time limited due to injury issues.
According to reporting by Motleeds News, Bamford has not made a single start in the Championship this season, despite his significant contributions to Leeds’ previous promotion to the Premier League in 2020. The 31-year-old striker played a key role in that campaign, scoring 16 goals in 45 second-tier outings.
While Bamford’s lack of game time may suggest that his days at Elland Road are numbered, Motleeds News reports that the club are considering keeping him on their books beyond his current contract, which expires in 2026. Writing in the print edition of the Football League Paper, Chris Dunlavy suggests that having an experienced top-flight striker like Bamford on a free transfer in 12 months’ time could be a "dream scenario" for a newly promoted Premier League side.
"As a newly promoted Premier League side, having an experienced top-flight striker who is willing to be second or third-choice and can be released for nothing in 12 months is pretty much the dream scenario," Dunlavy wrote. Motleeds News quotes the publication as stating that Bamford’s experience and work ethic make him an ideal player for Farke to retain, even if he continues to play a limited role.
Leeds United can all but secure their promotion to the Premier League with a victory over Stoke City on Monday, as promotion rivals Burnley and Sheffield United face each other in the late kick-off. Three points followed by a Blades defeat would be enough to seal promotion.
Bamford has faced limited game time this season, making just 14 appearances off the bench and failing to score or provide an assist. However, his impact in recent weeks has been significant, with Motleeds News citing his contributions in tight games as a key factor in Leeds’ promotion push.
The publication also reports that Leeds are eyeing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson as a long-term replacement for Bamford, whose influence on the team may be waning. Nevertheless, Bamford remains a top servant for Leeds, having previously established himself as one of the best strikers in the Championship and displaying his goal-scoring prowess in the top-flight.
As the Whites look to secure promotion and Bamford’s future continues to dominate speculation, one thing is certain – the experienced striker will be remembered for his significant contributions to Leeds United’s success in recent years. Motleeds News will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
