Patrick Bamford’s journey at Leeds United, which seems poised to conclude, is a story of highs, lows, and an undeniable impact on the club, even though injuries ultimately curtailed what could have been an even more remarkable career at Elland Road. His time at Leeds, spanning seven years, has been one of mixed fortunes, filled with moments of brilliance, frustration, and deep reflection on what might have been. When he was signed by Leeds in 2018 for a fee that could rise to £10 million, expectations were high. Manager Marcelo Bielsa and sporting director Victor Orta had clearly identified him as a key piece in their plans to push the club back to the Premier League, and for a while, it seemed like they had struck gold.

At first glance, Bamford had all the attributes of a striker who could thrive in Bielsa’s high-pressing, attacking system. He was mobile, had a strong work ethic, and, at his best, showed the intelligence and movement required to excel in the Premier League. His first season at Leeds was relatively quiet in terms of goal contributions, but it was clear that he was adapting to the intense demands of Bielsa’s style. During that season, it became evident that Bamford’s contribution to the team wasn’t solely about scoring goals. His ability to stretch defences, drag players out of position, and hold up the ball allowed the likes of Jack Harrison, Pablo Hernández, and Helder Costa to shine. His movement and pressing from the front were critical in Leeds’ aggressive approach, making him a central figure in the team despite a lack of goals.

However, his time at Leeds quickly became a tale of what might have been, as injuries began to take their toll. A player with so much potential found himself sidelined repeatedly, unable to establish any real momentum in the team. Bamford’s body seemed to be his own worst enemy, and as the seasons wore on, it became increasingly clear that injuries were going to be a major factor in his career. His time on the pitch often felt like a series of fleeting moments, with bursts of quality often interrupted by spells on the treatment table. Despite this, he continued to show flashes of brilliance when fit, and when he was playing regularly, it was clear that Bamford still had the qualities of a Premier League striker.

The 2020-2021 season was undoubtedly the high point of Bamford’s time at Leeds. After years of struggling with injuries, Bamford exploded into life with 17 goals in his first Premier League campaign. It was a breakout season that silenced many of the doubters who had questioned his ability to make an impact at the highest level. Under Bielsa’s guidance, Bamford’s game had evolved — he was no longer just a traditional striker. He had become a complete forward, capable of leading the line, pressing defenders, and linking up play in a way that was crucial to Leeds’ style of play. His goals came at key moments, and he became the focal point of a team that played with such verve and attacking intent. That season was a testament to his resilience and his ability to overcome the setbacks of the past.

Yet, as impressive as his performances were, that season marked the beginning of another series of injury issues that would define his later years at Leeds. His goal tally dipped in subsequent seasons, and although he remained an important figure in the squad, his place in the starting lineup began to come under threat. In 2022-2023, Bamford struggled to replicate his previous form, scoring fewer goals and often being relegated to the bench as Leeds sought a more reliable presence in the forward line. While his technical qualities were still evident, his body could no longer cope with the relentless pace of the Premier League, and his confidence, too, began to fluctuate. Leeds’ struggles in the league mirrored his own, and the club’s inability to maintain Premier League status eventually led to their relegation to the Championship.

During the Championship season, Bamford’s role was reduced even further. He was often used as a substitute, coming on in the latter stages of matches to provide a physical presence and offer a potential aerial threat. His goal-scoring record took another hit, with a campaign that saw him fail to score in the league for the first time in his Leeds career. It was a tough year for Bamford, and perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects was seeing how he struggled to stay fit while also witnessing younger players like Rodrigo, who had moved into a more prominent role in the squad, getting more opportunities to impress. Bamford’s fitness and sharpness were no longer what they had once been, and the reality was clear: his best years at Leeds were behind him.

Now, as the summer of 2025 rolls on, Patrick Bamford is no longer part of Daniel Farke’s plans for the upcoming season. The 31-year-old striker’s future at the club looks uncertain, with Leeds likely to part ways with a player who has become synonymous with their recent history. It is a sad ending to a career at Leeds that has, in many ways, been defined by injury and untapped potential. While it’s clear that Bamford’s body has betrayed him over the years, his legacy at Leeds is undeniable. He is, after all, one of the club’s highest-ever scorers since the turn of the century. His place in Leeds United folklore is secure, as he sits among the club’s top scorers, ranking 22nd overall and 7th in the post-Don Revie era. For a player who had to fight through adversity and injury to achieve that, it’s a remarkable achievement.

Bamford’s importance to Leeds, however, went beyond the numbers. His hold-up play, his ability to drag defenders out of position, and his unselfish movement were key elements in Bielsa’s tactical setup. Even during periods when he wasn’t scoring, his presence on the pitch created space for others, particularly the wingers and attacking midfielders who thrived in the system. He wasn’t just a finisher; he was a link in the chain that allowed the team to function fluidly. His pressing, too, was an essential part of Leeds’ high-intensity game, and while it often went unnoticed by those who focused solely on goals, it was something that Bielsa valued highly. In that sense, Bamford was much more than just a striker. He was a cog in the machine that helped Leeds play the way they did, and that role should not be overlooked.

As we look ahead, Bamford’s future seems uncertain. At 31, with a history of injuries, it’s unclear whether he will continue at the top level or seek a move to a team in a lower division. His attributes — his movement, his hold-up play, his ability to link up with other attackers — would still be valuable to a team that can manage his fitness and provide him with a role where he doesn’t need to be the main goalscorer. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that another club could give him a fresh start, a chance to revive his career in a less physically demanding league or system.

Ultimately, no matter where Bamford ends up, it’s important to recognize the impact he’s had on Leeds United. He was a part of a squad that took the club back to the Premier League, and he was an integral figure in that journey. His highs, especially that memorable 17-goal season, will be remembered fondly by Leeds supporters. But his time at the club also represents the trials of a player who gave everything to his team, even when his body betrayed him. Patrick Bamford may be on his way out of Leeds, but he will always be remembered as a key player in the club’s modern history, a figure who, despite his setbacks, made an indelible mark on the team and its supporters.