Patrick Bamford could have an impact on Leeds United’s Premier League survival bid, even if his place in the pecking order is as yet unclear.
Leeds United can include Patrick Bamford among four strikers currently contracted to the club, with Daniel Farke able to choose between the 31-year-old, Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph, and new-boy Lukas Nmecha.
The truth is Bamford has dealt with criticism from Leeds fans for a number of years now, having become increasingly injury-prone in the latter seasons of his career in West Yorkshire.
However, that doesn’t mean he cannot have an impact next season. Leeds need depth and experience for a season that they are expected to struggle in by most.
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Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips visit Leeds playhouse for Marcelo Bielsa-inspired play
Bamford is working hard as he heads into his eighth season with the club and Leeds fans are already amazed at Bamford’s new physique with further images since emerging.
Of course, aged 31, it’s unlikely he has the same impact at the club as he did during his peak-age years. In his prime, Bamford scored 16 to help Leeds to promotion, then followed that up with 17 in the top flight, before an England call-up that following summer.
He is still gearing up for a strong effort on that front, with Bamford’s best coming during the Marcelo Bielsa era of the club. That’s because we have seen that Bamford’s wife has been helping the Leeds striker with his gym routine.
Bielsa would be proud of Bamford’s efforts thus far in the build up to 2025/26, but he would have more admiration for what he has been doing prior to their pre-season tour this week.
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As shown by Paul (@B33R) on Twitter/X, Bamford has been pictured watching Dean Smith of The Square Ball performing part of a play called ‘Through It All Together’ at Leeds’ playhouse theatre, which depicts the Bielsa and Victor Orta era of the club.
Kalvin Phillips has been spotted at the playhouse for the same reason in recent days, with the 29-year-old Man City midfielder also a key component of that Bielsa team alongside Bamford.
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Patrick Bamford’s Premier League impact with Leeds explained
Bamford is hoping his experience helps Leeds in the Premier League, where he certainly has plenty to offer to this squad in their current guise on that front.
That said, Leeds are expected to make a big signing up front. Nmecha has already come in and with Bamford out of contract in 2026, his Leeds future is very much in doubt.
Graham Smyth said in 2024 that he expects Bamford to leave this summer. However, nothing has come of a potential exit despite Bamford’s contract situation.
Either way, he can impart some wisdom on his teammates next year. It could be a glorious final season for him at Elland Road.
Bielsa’s influence took Bamford to heights he maybe didn’t think he could reach, but this is his last crack at English football’s top table to make an impact and leave a lasting impression.