It appears there has been a secret contract extension for Patrick Bamford at Leeds United. It would seem that the club’s contract dealings were as covert and secretive as their transfer dealings last summer. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that “a careful look at the Football Association’s intermediary transactions list published in March — covering February 1, 2020, to February 1, 2021 — shows an updated registration for Bamford. It seems to have gone under the radar but The Athletic has learned that last summer, the 27-year-old’s contract was extended, meaning he is actually tied to Leeds beyond 2022.”
Patrick Bamford Secretly Extends Leeds United Contract
Positive News for Leeds United
This is positive news for the fans at Elland Road. It demonstrates the sense of belonging and security for the English striker in Yorkshire, with a one-year extension.
This was not always the case for Bamford. He was seen as a journeyman before his move to Leeds United from Middlesbrough. A remarkable turnaround for a man who has been linked with a spot in future England squads, maybe even the Euros with the newly extended squad sizes.
Bielsa’s Leading Man
Bamford seems at home with Leeds. A well-spoken and educated young man, he is often the face of the team in post-match interviews and on the club’s official podcast. Indeed, he has received as many plaudits off the field as on it this season. After the dramatic collapse of the European Super League, Bamford’s comments drew great acclaim from all over the country. After the general outcry across Football, he told Sky Sports: “It is amazing the uproar and it is a shame it isn’t like this with other things, like racism.”
Bamford also donated £5,000 to a local primary school in Leeds. The money was to help with remote learning during the pandemic this year. Immersing himself in a community that most certainly loves him back, he has been a great role model for the young fans this year.
Admiring Observers
His improved form, consistent goal-scoring, and equally impressive assist record has drawn attention from others outside of Elland Road too. Before Leeds United’s recent game against Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp was quoted as saying how happy he was that Bamford had proven his critics wrong.
‘Big Six’ club though they may be, Bamford has been burned before. Many times. And now finds himself in a city and in a team that values him. They respect him. And his manager has got the best out of him. After Marcelo Bielsa has made him his number nine, it would be difficult to imagine him turning his back on that.
Euros Bound?
Another big admirer is said to be Gareth Southgate, the England manager. A regular at Elland Road to watch the games, Southgate surprised many when he did not select Bamford in his latest squad. He instead went for Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa. Watkins is also having a great season, but try telling that to the Leeds fanatical support.
Southgate, however, did make a point of stating how well Bamford had been playing and that he was “very unfortunate” to not make the squad. Now, with the extended places available, does he have a chance to go to the Euros?
A secret contract extension for Patrick Bamford at Leeds United tells you one thing: that they have faith in him. But just like the quiet, assured man himself, they do not feel the need to shout from the rafters about it. As much as Victor Orta, the Leeds director of football, may want to.
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