"A shame" - Leeds United: Patrick Bamford "replacement" claim made ahead of January transfer window | OneFootball

FLW's Leeds United fan pundit has given his verdict on whether the club should cash in on Patrick Bamford in January

Patrick Bamford’s future at Leeds United has become the topic of speculation ahead of the January transfer window.

It was reported by Football Insider in October that the Whites would be open to offers for the striker in the new year.

The 31-year-old has a contract with the Yorkshire outfit until the summer of 2026, meaning now could be a good time to cash in on him.

The forward has made just six appearances so far this season, failing to score from only 61 minutes worth of action.

Bamford has taken on a far more reduced role compared to in previous campaigns, with injuries also impacting his playing time.

Patrick Bamford January sale verdict

When asked whether the club should cash in on Bamford in January, FLW’s Leeds fan pundit Kris Smith suggested they should be open to the idea so that a new striker can be signed in his place.

However, he has raised concerns over whether anyone will show an interest.

“I’m of the opinion now that Leeds need to be really scouring for a new striker in the January window,” Smith told Football League World.

“But I think also that only happens if they can offload Patrick Bamford.

“Obviously, he’s struggled with injury issues for the past three years, and I don’t think Leeds have ever properly got to the point where they can move on from him, and having to rely on him staying fit.

“It’s always been an issue of Bamford not staying fit, and therefore Leeds’ striker options looking really slim.

“And it is a shame because, when Bamford hits form, he is a superlative option.

“He showed, when we went on the winning streak with [Daniel] Farke last season, that when he’s the main man he is outstanding at this level.

“But I think the idea of having Bamford in your squad at his peak is much more than you’re actually getting at this stage.

“He’s not actually showing that for us.

“If a club is fancying signing Bamford in the new year, I don’t really expect that to happen, but I do think Leeds would need to facilitate that exit.

“Not only to clear a lot of the wages from our wage bill but also open the door to a replacement who could actually fire us to promotion.”

Patrick Bamford’s importance to Leeds

Bamford was once a key figure at Leeds, playing a crucial role in their Premier League promotion under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020.

The striker had an excellent first top flight campaign, contributing 17 goals from 38 appearances.

However, injuries have limited his usefulness in the years since, making 76 league appearances in the four seasons following that breakout year in the first division.

Bamford is yet to start a single Championship game this term in Daniel Farke’s side, as they eye a top two finish in the table.

Bamford sale in January would be good timing for Leeds

Bamford’s wages are a concern, and will likely prove a stumbling block in finding a potential buyer in January.

However, if Leeds can find a way to move him on then now would be a good time to do so.

Being able to reinvest whatever money they get for him into bringing in a younger, fitter striker option would be a great use of the January market, and should boost their top two hopes.