Leeds United released Patrick Bamford this week, with his contract terminated at Elland Road following seven years with the club.
Patrick Bamford was signed by Leeds United in 2018, with Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta bringing him in from Middlesbrough for an initial fee in the region of £7 million, which could rise to £10 million with add-ons.
Patrick Bamford’s career Appearances Goals Assists
Leeds United 205 60 25
Middlesbrough 97 33 7
MK Dons 44 21 6
Derby County 23 8 4
Crystal Palace 9 0 1
It’s fair to say that his time at Leeds has been somewhat up and down, in part due to persistent injury issues that have stopped him from having an extended run in the team over the last few years.
That’s been the case for most of the last two seasons, as he has had to settle with appearances from the bench in the Championship. 2024/25 was also the first campaign in which Bamford failed to score for Leeds and Daniel Farke has been honest with Bamford.
Daniel Farke, Leeds United manager during game v Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Daniel Farke sends Patrick Bamford good luck message for the future
Farke had to explain that he was no longer a part of Leeds’ plans heading into 2025/26. It’s a sad end to a mostly fantastic career with Leeds, despite some difficult years since the very first glory years under Marcelo Bielsa.
Bamford has dealt with criticism from Leeds fans for a number of years now. However, the 31-year-old is a capable player when he has a run of games and many of his goals for the club have tended to come in bunches during his time in West Yorkshire.
The timing of his exit has shocked many, but also the manner in which it has been handled. Bamford explained as much with his farewell Instagram post. Bamford said: “Right now, with the way it has come to an end and the way things have been handled recently, it’s all a little bit too raw to reflect on immediately.
“But I think in the years to come and further down the line, I’ll look back at this period of my life with nothing but joy, pride and be super happy with what I’ve achieved and the fact that I was able to wear this number nine shirt in front of you guys for this many years.”
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Having been released on Thursday evening, Farke then addressed the situation after the Newcastle United game. He wished the forward the best for the future but seemed somewhat irritated by the persistent questions about the striker.
He said: “I have spoken about Patrick several times. I don’t want to bring it up again. I have said how much I respect him and his time here. He needs backing, an arm around the shoulder and we told him we could not do this. Cross fingers for him and his career moving forward.”
Patrick Bamford during Leeds United v Middlesbrough - Carabao Cup First Round.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
What will Patrick Bamford’s next move after Leeds be?
Bamford got fit for pre-season and it’s fair to say Bielsa would be proud of Bamford’s efforts. Not only that, but Bamford has recently paid homage to Bielsa. The Argentine had a huge impact on the centre-forward.
Even if those 17-goal Premier League seasons are a thing of the past for him, Bielsa is very much to thank for them in the first place. He made Bamford a machine out of possession and capable of output with the ball.
Bamford still hopes to play for England again, which is why he has worked so hard to get fit in Leeds’ pre-season. That hasn’t given him a case in Farke’s eyes and now the question remains regarding where next for Bamford?
Bamford is open to an MLS switch at some stage and perhaps his mindset could change in the future, while Wrexham have been linked to Bamford as well. Graham Smyth has suggested Stoke City for Bamford previously, too.