SHOCKING NEWS;Leeds United confirm new ownership few minutes ago
Patrick Bamford being next in line for contract talks at Leeds United suggests that 49ers Enterprises have their priorities back-to-front.
GiveMeSport reported on 7 September that after tying Wilfried Gnonto down to a new four-year deal at Elland Road, the 49ers’ next priority is to extend the contract of 31-year-old striker Bamford.
With Illan Meslier and Daniel James, like Bamford, also seeing their current deals expire in 2026 – and the former reportedly demanding of a release clause in his new deal – the 49ers have plenty to address.
Bamford has reportedly made clear that he wants to stay put in LS11 and is keen to extend his own contract [Ben Jacobs, 6 September], but he should not be close to the front of the queue if the Whites want to prioritise younger, more in-form players.
Patrick Bamford must earn new Leeds United contract
Meslier, James and Bamford all played key roles in the Whites’ unsuccessful promotion bid last season, with the latter duo scoring 21 Championship goals between them and Meslier keeping 18 clean sheets.
Bamford, however, has for the umpteenth season running been affected by injury issues so far in the new campaign, and is yet to start a league match or score a goal across all competitions.
James did miss the Whites’ last outing against Hull City, but scored the game-sealing goal against Sheffield Wednesday the week prior with a breakaway strike which showed just how vital his pace is.
Unlike Meslier, who has kept three clean sheets on the bounce, and James, Bamford has no easy route back into the side, with Joel Piroe and most recently Mateo Joseph the clear favourites to start up front.
A player who is third-choice in the striking pecking order should not be at the front of the queue when it comes to new contract talks at any club, let alone one fighting to get back into the Premier League, where Bamford will simply not be needed.
Be the first to comment