Two-time Leeds United champion Patrick Bamford has been unveiled at Sheffield United this week on a free transfer, with his first fixture potentially being the Steel City derby away at Sheffield Wednesday.
Very few of Leeds’ iconic title-winning side under Marcelo Bielsa in 19/20 remain at the club at present. Three, in fact: Illan Meslier, Jack Harrison and Pascal Struijk.
Daniel Farke has had to make plenty of tough decisions on some of those mainstays, seeing multiple depart during his time here, including Patrick Bamford.
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Patrick Bamford confirmed as Sheffield United free transfer after Leeds United exit
After plenty of speculation during the summer, Bamford was confirmed to have been released early from his Elland Road contract.
It took him some time to secure his next move after links to Getafe and others, with Sheffield United confirming a deal this week.
Patrick Bamford has signed for Sheffield United on a short-term deal. (Action Images/Craig Brough)
Bamford’s arrival at Bramall Lane is on an initial short-term deal until January. It should see him help tide over Chris Wilder’s side through their current struggles in the bottom three.
Interestingly, Bamford’s first appearance could be in the Steel City derby away at Sheffield Wednesday after this international break. The former Leeds man scored in his last appearance at Hillsborough.
Liam Cooper could line up against Patrick Bamford as Sheffield Wednesday get green light on free transfers
On the other side of Sheffield, Wednesday have just been given a major boost this week as the EFL have granted them permission to bring in two free transfers.
The Owls are on minus four points after entering administration. But, they have seen their FIFA ban on national and international transfers lifted, having finally repaid outstanding transfer debts on two players.
Title-winning Leeds United captain Liam Cooper could move to Sheffield United imminently. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)
As a result, they have been given the all clear from the EFL to pursue two free agents. Former Leeds man Liam Cooper said to be in the frame, per the Star.
“Former Leeds United centre-half Cooper has been in conversation with Wednesday for sometime, with The Star of the understanding that a deal could be done relatively swiftly.”
Cooper, 34, left United in the summer of 2024 after our failure to gain promotion. He moved to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia on a free transfer. However, he had his deal cut short less than a year later with an EFL return on the cards since August.
Interesting Leeds United reunion could await as Sheffield Wednesday host Sheffield United
It would be really bizarre to see two of Bielsa’s main men from that squad lining up for either side of the Steel City derby next week.
Bamford joining Chris Wilder’s Blades speaks for itself in terms of surprise. Given the words those two have shared for each other, it’ll be odd to see them working together. Cooper heading to Hillsborough would be another odd-looking signing after being at Elland Road for a decade.
Both would be good signings for their careers though, if Cooper makes his move too. They needed back to playing at a good level while they still have something to offer.
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