Can Bamford still lead the line in the Premier League?
- Published
Will Patrick Bamford still be an asset in the Premier League?
The 31-year-old struggled for fitness last season and did not start a game in the Championship, coming off the bench 17 times without scoring.
However, he boasts more top-flight experience than most in the Leeds squad and did score 17 Premier League goals in the 2021-22 season, the last time the Whites went up.
This week's Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast episode discusses whether he can still be useful for Daniel Farke.
"Most people listening would probably agree that a nine needs to be bought," said BBC Radio Leeds sports editor Jonny Buchan.
"But if [Bamford] plays every pre-season game, has a decent one, plays in Dublin against AC Milan - he does have Premier League pedigree, something the club need and want," .
"He's already got that and he scored 17 in the top flight before."
Co-host and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix can also see the value of keeping Bamford around.
"We've seen Bamford trying to get fit," added Rix. "He never gave me any hint he wants to leave Leeds. He knows he needs to get to the first day of pre-season ready to go because last season was a bit of a washout.
"He's back in credit with the fans. There is an argument that if you get Pat fit for 28 games in a Premier League season, he's very worth having. If someone else had him, you'd think he's a good striker for them to have.
"I just don't know if you can go into a very important season again relying on Bamford to be fit. It feels like a stretch."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Where do you stand on Bamford's future?
Would you use him in the Premier League and, if so, what should his role be?
