Patrick Bamford has made MLS revelation - He could reunite with Leeds United cult hero | OneFootball

Patrick Bamford hints at MLS move as Leeds exit nears. Why is reuniting with ex-teammate Mateusz Klich at Atlanta United a possible next chapter?

Patrick Bamford's tenure at Leeds United seems to be approaching its conclusion. With just over a year remaining on his current deal and a series of injuries impacting recent seasons, speculation about his next move has intensified.

One compelling possibility is a reunion with former Leeds United teammate, Mateusz Klich, with the Polish midfielder currently playing for Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Speaking to CBS Golazo this week, Bamford outlined that he could be open to a move to the United States.

"In terms of playing abroad, America was one of the options. When I was younger, it was something I always wanted to try and do at some point in my career, to experience a new country, to live the lifestyle there and to try myself in a new league."

Patrick Bamford and Mateusz Klich's time together

Under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, as Leeds achieved promotion to the Premier League and a subsequent 9th-place finish in the top flight, Bamford and Klich formed a formidable partnership.

When it comes to Bamford's career as a whole, only Jack Harrison has combined with the forward for a goal more times than Klich, with Harrison or Bamford assisting one another on nine occasions compared to the eight registered by Bamford and the Pole. (Stats from Transfermarkt)

Arriving from Dutch side FC Twente in 2017, Klich caught the eye of Bielsa during pre-season in 2018, and the midfielder went on to net the first goal of the Argentinian coach's fantastic era in charge. Establishing himself as a key figure, Klich became an ever-present over the two seasons it took for Leeds to achieve promotion.

However, after helping to solidify Leeds in the Premier League, Klich was underused by Jesse Marsch after taking over from Bielsa and left for D.C. United in January 2023.

Klich's latest chapter in Atlanta

After two full seasons with the capital club in MLS, Klich transitioned to the 2018 MLS Cup champions Atlanta United, adding experience and valuable depth to The Five Stripes' midfield.

Thus far, he has made nine appearances in the league, missing three matches through injury. However, Atlanta's form has been underwhelming, with the club sitting in 14th place out of 15 in the Eastern Conference.

Looking ahead to the summer, the club may be forced into transfer action as they look to turn their poor season around after a play-off finish last campaign.

Why Atlanta United could be the right fit for Bamford

With Atlanta potentially looking to strengthen over the summer, Bamford would be a fantastic option to operate alongside former Middlesbrough man Emmanuel Latte Lath in Ronny Deila's 4-4-2 formation.

Currently playing alongside the ex-Boro man is Miguel Almiron, who spent five and a half seasons in the Premier League with Newcastle United.

Reuniting with his ex-employers in Georgia, the Paraguayan has been shifted from his more natural position either out on the wing or as an attacking midfielder. An addition of Bamford's experience and know-how would allow one of the league's flair players, in Almiron, to operate in a more natural position.

Patrick Bamford is in need of a reset

Bamford has been with Leeds for seven years now. However, consistent injuries have long been a huge disruption for the forward across his career.

Last season, Bamford made just 17 appearances in the Championship for Leeds, all from the bench and without a single goal scored in this time.

In total, Bamford has scored just 14 goals across the last four seasons with Leeds. Turning 32 at the start of the 2025/25 season, a move away from both Leeds and English football may be what the striker needs to recharge as he moves into the latter stage of his career.

For Bamford, the appeal of Major League Soccer would be more than just football. The opportunity to live in the United States, immerse himself in a new culture, and reunite with a familiar face like Klich could provide the ideal environment to rediscover both form and confidence.