It came as a shock when reports emerged earlier this week that Leeds United icon Patrick Bamford is currently training with Coventry City, with Bamford still a free agent.
Bamford remains an icon at Elland Road but left the club in the summer, after Daniel Farke informed the striker he had no future in a Leeds shirt. The club and Bamford agreed to mutually terminate his deal.
The one-time England man had a year left on his Leeds contract. Since then, Bamford has been linked with a whole heap of clubs. It is believed there is interest from MLS clubs, with Bamford open to a move.
Then, immediately after the summer deadline, Celtic appeared. Brendan Rodgers’ side held talks over a deal to bring Bamford in, but opted to form a reunion between Rodgers and striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
Patrick Bamford in action for Leeds during 2024-25.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Frank Lampard confirms his stance on free agent Patrick Bamford
Then, left-field reports suggested La Liga side Getafe were about to sign Bamford. But since the reports, nothing has come of a possible move to Spain. Now, Bamford is training with Frank Lampard’s Coventry.
The Sky Blues are flying in the Championship at the moment, sitting top of the pile and still unbeaten. With Bamford a free agent, there was talk of Bamford being considered as a new signing for Coventry.
After the initial story, reports then claimed Bamford was only at Coventry to train and improve his fitness. Following a 3-1 win over Watford, Lampard told Coventry Live that he is simply doing Bamford a favour.
“Doing him a favour. I know Patrick well, he hasn’t got a club. He’s training with us. I’m very happy, he’s a good lad, Patrick. He’s very easy. I know the conclusions everyone’s going to get to but he’s just training.”
Frank Lampard looks on during a Championship clash between Coventry and Birmingham
Photo by Leila Coker/Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
What Patrick Bamford said about Frank Lampard and Spygate
It is an interesting move. Perhaps, the Chelsea connection has seen Lampard bring Bamford in and allow him to train with his squad. But it does see Bamford train with a hated figure among Leeds supporters.
The Spygate scandal in Marcelo Bielsa’s first season left a bitter taste in Lampard’s mouth. The then-Derby manager complained about it, before mocking Leeds fans after a play-off semi-final win over Leeds.
Bamford shared details of a phone call between Bielsa and Lampard at the time, in 2024: “I don’t know the ins and the outs of the conversation but I don’t think Frank took it too well. He wasn’t happy.”
Whether Lampard changes his mind remains to be seen but for now, it is simply just a way of getting fit again for Bamford, with the striker now without a club for two months. But maybe, this helps end that.