Former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has turned down the chance to sign for Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United, as he prepares to sign for Getafe in La Liga.
Leeds’ ruthless summer overhaul to strengthen their survival bid brought a brutal decision on Patrick Bamford. Initially frozen out of the squad for pre-season under Daniel Farke, the striker was then released with a year remaining on his contract.
Despite the window shutting, the striker is able to secure a transfer elsewhere. He is now close to agreeing a deal in La Liga.
Most Read on LeedsAllOver
Patrick Bamford set to fly out to Madrid to sign for Getafe on free transfer
In a surprising turn of events, Bamford’s next transfer is set to see him leave the UK for the first time in his career.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Bamford is finalising a deal to join La Liga side Getafe today, who currently sit 8th in the Spanish top flight.
Patrick Bamford was released from Leeds United last month, and is now set to join Getafe on a free transfer. (Action Images/Lee Smith)
As Moretto reports, Bamford is ready to fly out to Madrid imminently to join Jose Bordalas’ side on a free transfer.
Patrick Bamford rejecting Sheffield United interest as he prepares for Getafe move
Bamford has been linked with several clubs in England since the summer when Farke left him out of plans. The latest was Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United.
The Star reported that newly re-appointed Blades boss Wilder was interested in the one-cap England international. That is in spite of the frosty history the pair have, as Wilder branded the striker a “muppet” back in 2019 when the South Yorkshire club pipped Leeds to promotion.
Chris Wilder is back at Sheffield United despite being sacked in the summer, and wants to sign Patrick Bamford. (Action Images/Craig Brough)
Bamford had his chance to respond when the two sides met at Bramall Lane in September 2020, this time as Premier League rivals. Leeds’ striker scored the winner that day as the Blades were eventually relegated after Wilder’s dismissal.
Back in April, when Leeds secured promotion thanks to the Blades’ defeat at Burnley, Bamford was videoed kickstarting a particular chant aimed at Wilder outside Elland Road. As the footage did the rounds, Bamford contacted the Blades boss to bury the hatchet.
Those previous incidents didn’t deter Wilder from looking into signing Bamford. But, the ex-United striker looks instead to be heading to Spain.
Patrick Bamford unsurprisingly picking La Liga and Getafe over Sheffield United’s turgid start
You would back Wilder above anyone on the planet to be the man that turns the Blades around. However, six successive losses to start their Championship campaign is hardly the environment Bamford would want to go into.
Yes, he could probably avoid moving house by staying in Yorkshire. At this stage of his career, though, the earnings he’ll get at Getafe would surely dwarf the Blades.
The chance to play in La Liga against some of the world’s best players is also a big lure. One of them being his former teammate Raphinha.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!