After returning to the Premier League this season, Leeds United fans have once again witnessed first-hand the rollercoaster of emotions that come with top-flight football.
Daniel Farke’s side made easy work of the Championship last term, a division notoriously hard to get out of, with the German enduring a much bigger challenge this time around.
His tactical switch at a crucial moment of the campaign has given the Whites a fighting chance of staying in the division and avoiding an immediate return to the second tier.
farke-leeds
However, their progress has stagnated as of late, resulting in a run of six league games without a win - now dating back to the 6th of February when they defeated Nottingham Forest.
Farke will desperately be hoping his players can step up and be counted during the final seven games of the season, just as one player did during his own time in the top-flight at Elland Road.
The impact of Patrick Bamford at Leeds United
Striker Patrick Bamford captured the hearts of Leeds fans during his time in Yorkshire, with the forward often taking the responsibility of leading the line in the final third.
He netted 26 goals in his first two years at Elland Road, subsequently helping the Whites end their generational wait for a return to the Premier League in 2019/20.
patrick-bamford-leeds
The now 32-year-old took to the top-flight like a duck to water, netting 17 goals in his 38 outings - leading to a maiden call-up to the England national team.
However, his final two years at the club was a period to forget for Bamford, as he scored just six times - with none of his efforts coming during his final year.
The striker was often guilty of wasting big chances within the final third, with injuries often getting the better of him and preventing him from featuring under Farke.
As a result, he was released by the Whites upon the return to the Premier League, with his struggles in the final few months putting a sour note on his career in Yorkshire.
The Leeds star who’s becoming the next Bamford
Despite his struggles towards the end of his career with Leeds, there’s no denying Bamford played a huge part in their ability to return to the Premier League.
bamford-premier-league-farke-championship-odgaard-transfer
Leeds striker Patrick Bamford.
He constantly popped up with key goals under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, with such a period under the Argentine undoubtedly the best of his professional career.
However, it was the right time to allow the forward to depart Elland Road, with the club outgrowing the experienced forward and leaving a demand for a new talisman.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha are the two players who have shared the responsibility of delivering the goals - with the pair netting 16 league goals between them this term.
Despite their success in England’s top-flight, fellow Leeds first team member Dan James is rapidly becoming the next Bamford - but not for all the right reasons.
dan-james-leeds-championship
The Welsh international moved to Yorkshire in a deal worth £25m in the summer of 2021, with a real expectation of providing the goods in the final third for the Whites.
He’s now racked up 125 appearances since his subsequent transfer five years ago, scoring on 30 occasions - with the majority coming in the Championship, like Bamford.
The 28-year-old did net 12 goals during the promotion-winning campaign last season, but James has found form extremely hard to come by in 2025/26.
He’s only featured in 15 league games to date, with injuries starting to catch up with the forward - just as they did with Bamford during his final years at the club.
dan-james-leeds-premier-league
Even when the Welshman has featured under Farke, he’s struggled to deliver - subsequently failing to register a single goal or assist in all competitions this season.
He’s also missed four big chances in the Premier League this term, with only Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha missing more than- highlighting his struggles in attacking areas.
Dan James - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Cross accuracy
Dribble success
Shots on target
Shot on target
Fouls committed
James’ dribble success of just 38% also highlights his inability to get past the opposition, with his direct running and pace often being a big asset to his game.
There’s no denying the Welshman has declined over the last couple of months, with the manager’s switch to a three-back system also having an impact on his struggles.
Daniel-James-leeds-norwich
As a result, the hierarchy must look to cash in on the attacker when the window opens this summer to try and recoup as much of the £25m fee paid for his signature as possible.
Like Bamford, he will be remembered for his impact at Elland Road, but ultimately, he’s not at the level required for success, with a change desperately needing to be made.
Anton-Stach Related
[49ers exploring "ambitious" £40m deal for Leeds' best signing since Stach](https://www.footballfancast.com/best-signing-since-stach-leeds-exploring-deal-for-trafford/ "49ers exploring "ambitious" £40m deal for Leeds' best signing since Stach")
Leeds United are reportedly exploring a deal for a star who would be their best signing since Anton Stach.