Former Leeds United midfielder David Norris has indicated that Patrick Bamford is likely to stay at the club beyond the current summer transfer window. Despite Leeds’ failure to secure promotion to the Premier League and the financial constraints they face due to Profit and Sustainability Rules, Norris believes Bamford will remain with the team.
Norris, who had a three-year stint at Leeds from 2012 to 2015, expressed confidence in Bamford’s commitment to the club. He noted Bamford’s positive relationship with the fans and the fact that he has weathered transfer rumors in the past without leaving. Norris suggested that both Bamford and Leeds seem content with the current arrangement.
Since his arrival at Leeds from Middlesbrough in a deal valued at up to £10 million in 2018, Bamford has been a key player for the team. With 60 goals and 22 assists in 187 appearances across all competitions, the 30-year-old striker played a pivotal role in Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.
Although Bamford’s goal-scoring form has dipped after Bielsa’s departure, owing partly to various injuries that sidelined him for 40 matches, Norris and journalist Phil Hay agree that Bamford’s high wage could deter potential suitors, especially in the Championship. Despite previous speculation linking Bamford with a move to other clubs, including Forest, it seems likely that he will stay at Leeds for the upcoming season.Among the teams that have been promoted, he doesn’t appear to be a good fit for Leicester, Southampton, or Ipswich. It appears to me that this is a situation where Leeds United needs to consider their options. With Leeds preparing for the possible departure of Summerville or Gnonto, a fully recovered Bamford could be a valuable asset for Farke in the upcoming season. The German manager will be hoping that the striker can recapture the form he displayed last winter, scoring seven goals in 10 matches to aid their promotion campaign.
