Leeds United would be wise to steer clear of Patrick Bamford if they are looking for a permanent striking option.
According to the Telegraph, Leeds United are a possible destination for Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford as the Whites look to add more striking options to their squad.
The thing is Bamford would be a short-term fix at best; a player who is more than capable of scoring in the Championship but one who is simply not cut out for the Premier League.
If Leeds have realistic aspirations of returning to the top flight, a loan move for Bamford would be canny business. But signing him up permanently would be a mistake, especially when there are younger, better options around such as West Ham United’s Ashley Fletcher.
At 23, Bamford should be fulfilling his potential by now. Instead people are still referring to him as the next big thing. But you can only be that for so long, and certainly not when you reach your mid-twenties.
Bamford’s record in the second tier is decent, with 25 goals in 61 matches, but no goals in 19 matches in the top flight does not suggest he would be any better if and when Leeds get there.
Leeds boss Garry Monk really has two sensible options: sign Bamford on loan and then send him back to Chelsea or make a move for a striker who has a real chance of turning into a top-flight footballer.
Unfortunately for Bamford, that is something he already looks unlikely to achieve.
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