He’s worse than Bamford: 2 teams want to sign Leeds ace who was “special” under Bielsa
Leeds United Set for Summer Clear-Out as Premier League Return Looms — Veteran Forward’s Future Hangs in the Balance
As Leeds United prepare for their much-anticipated return to the Premier League, manager Daniel Farke faces the critical task of reshaping his squad to meet the demands of top-flight football. The German tactician is well aware that survival in England’s most unforgiving division will require not just tactical cohesion but also a united dressing room. With that in mind, several players who no longer fit into Farke’s long-term plans may soon find themselves heading for the exit.
Having already seen Junior Firpo complete a move to Real Betis, the Elland Road faithful should brace for further departures. Among those who could be shown the door are Illan Meslier and Maximilian Wober — two players who have offered moments of promise but ultimately fallen short of the consistency required at the highest level.
Another name being discussed in the corridors of Elland Road is Patrick Bamford. Once heralded as the spearhead of Leeds’ attack during their initial Premier League return, the 31-year-old striker’s role has increasingly diminished due to persistent injuries and an underwhelming campaign. Yet, the jury is still out on whether Bamford’s chapter at Leeds has truly come to an end.
Bamford’s Decline — But Not a Departure?
Despite enduring a dismal 2024/25 season in which he failed to find the net in any competition, Patrick Bamford’s previous exploits in the Premier League offer a glimmer of hope. For all his recent struggles, it’s important to remember that Bamford has scored 24 goals in the English top tier — all but one of them in a Leeds shirt. Among his standout performances was a memorable hat-trick against Aston Villa back in 2020, a game that showcased his technical ability, sharp movement, and poacher’s instinct.
To expect a full-blown renaissance at this stage of his career may be ambitious, but dismissing Bamford entirely could be premature. In a league where experience counts for plenty and squad depth is vital, he could still be a valuable weapon off the bench — a role player capable of offering flashes of brilliance in limited minutes. In his last stint in the Premier League, Bamford managed four goals in just 18 starts — modest, but not entirely irrelevant for a team that may need seasoned campaigners to grind out results late in games.
Comparing Bamford’s Struggles to Joe Gelhardt’s Disappearance
While Bamford’s struggles have been frustrating, they pale in comparison to the stagnation of Joe Gelhardt, a young striker once tipped for greatness. The 23-year-old, who came through the ranks at Wigan before making the leap to Leeds, has been on the periphery of the squad for some time. Though once described by Jamie Carragher as “special” and by Jamie Redknapp as “really exciting,” Gelhardt has failed to translate those glowing endorsements into tangible contributions on the pitch.
His most recent goal for Leeds came not in league competition, but in a domestic cup clash against Shrewsbury Town in August 2023. In terms of meaningful league goals for Leeds, one has to go all the way back to the 2021/22 season to find any success. That barren run has left both fans and coaching staff questioning his long-term potential at the club.
During a loan spell with Hull City last season, Gelhardt did find the net five times — a respectable return, but not enough to convince Daniel Farke that he is ready to make the step up to Premier League football. In contrast to Bamford, whose Premier League experience at least offers a safety net of sorts, Gelhardt’s top-flight credentials remain unproven.
Exit on the Horizon for Gelhardt
Given his lack of impact in Leeds colours, a summer loan move for Gelhardt looks inevitable. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, both Wrexham and Birmingham City are keeping close tabs on the young forward, with Leeds having reportedly informed him that he is free to leave the club temporarily in search of regular playing time. A loan to a Championship side could provide the opportunity he needs to rebuild his confidence and rediscover the form that once made him such a highly regarded prospect.
However, it is telling that while Bamford remains a potential Plan B in Farke’s plans, Gelhardt’s future at Elland Road looks increasingly uncertain. As the club eyes new attacking reinforcements to cope with the rigours of Premier League competition, the door appears to be closing on Gelhardt’s hopes of establishing himself in the first team.
What’s Next for Leeds?
With promotion secured and the pressure of Premier League survival already building, Daniel Farke must make swift but calculated decisions about the shape of his squad. Players like Bamford may no longer be first-choice starters, but their experience and occasional moments of quality still hold some value. Meanwhile, younger players like Gelhardt may need a change of scenery to reignite their careers.
This summer promises to be one of transformation at Elland Road. For Leeds to stay up — let alone thrive — Farke will need to strike the right balance between trimming the fat, retaining the core, and injecting fresh talent into a side that will soon be tested like never before.