Patrick Bamford currently in contention for swift professional return after keeping fit with Coventry City
Patrick Bamford Opens Up on Potential Leeds United Return After Training with Coventry City
Patrick Bamford has broken his silence after being spotted training with Coventry City, admitting that while he remains focused on finding the right next chapter in his career, a return to Leeds United still holds a special place in his heart.
The 32-year-old striker, who left Elland Road earlier this summer after mutually agreeing to terminate the final year of his contract, has been without a club since. His appearance at Coventry’s training ground last week raised eyebrows across the football community, sparking speculation about a possible move to the Sky Blues. However, Bamford has now clarified that his time with Frank Lampard’s side was more of a friendly arrangement than a trial — and that his affection for Leeds remains as strong as ever.
“It was just about keeping fit,” Bamford explained in a recent interview. “Frank [Lampard] and I go back a long way from our time together at Derby and Chelsea. He invited me to train with Coventry to stay sharp while I weigh up my options. It wasn’t about contracts or transfers — more about maintaining rhythm and fitness.”
Yet, when asked directly about a potential return to Leeds United — the club where he experienced some of the best and most emotional moments of his career — Bamford didn’t close the door. “Leeds will always mean something special to me,” he said. “That club gave me some of the best years of my football life. The fans, the atmosphere at Elland Road, the connection with the city — those things never really leave you.”
Bamford joined Leeds in 2018 from Middlesbrough and quickly became a key figure under Marcelo Bielsa. His 17 goals in the 2020/21 Premier League campaign helped Leeds secure an impressive top-half finish in their first season back in the top flight after 16 years away. His work rate, pressing intensity, and ability to link play made him a fan favorite, symbolizing Bielsa’s high-energy footballing philosophy.
However, injuries and inconsistency plagued his final seasons in Yorkshire. Hamstring and ankle issues limited his playing time, and under Daniel Farke, Bamford fell out of favor as the club looked to build a younger, faster frontline for their Premier League return.
“It was hard leaving Leeds,” Bamford admitted. “When you’ve been somewhere for that long and you’ve had both the highs and lows with a team, it’s emotional. But football moves fast. Sometimes, decisions are made for the future of the club, and as players, you have to respect that.”
His mutual departure in the summer was seen as a respectful ending rather than a fallout. Sources close to the club said Bamford handled the situation professionally and maintained a good relationship with the coaching staff. Since then, he’s been considering offers from clubs in England and abroad, but no move has materialized yet.
Coventry City manager Frank Lampard confirmed that Bamford’s involvement in training was nothing formal. “Patrick is someone I’ve known and admired for a long time. He’s a great professional and a top striker. We were just helping him stay fit — there are no plans beyond that, at least for now,” Lampard told reporters.
Still, Leeds fans couldn’t help but get excited after seeing images of Bamford back on the training pitch — even if it was in a different shade of blue. Many supporters took to social media, calling for the club to bring him back as a short-term option, especially with the team still struggling for consistency in attack this season.
Bamford, for his part, seemed touched by the response. “I’ve seen the messages and support online,” he smiled. “Leeds fans have always been incredible. Even when things weren’t going well for me personally — with injuries or form — they stood by me. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
When asked whether he’d consider rejoining Leeds if the opportunity arose, Bamford was diplomatic but hopeful. “In football, you never say never. I’ve got huge respect for Daniel Farke and what he’s trying to do there. If something like that were ever on the table and it made sense for everyone, of course I’d listen. Leeds feels like home in many ways.”
For now, though, his focus is on staying in shape and being ready for whatever comes next. “I still feel I’ve got a lot to offer,” he said. “I’m 32, I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I know my body better now. Whether it’s in the Championship or the Premier League, I want to contribute — to help a team, to score goals, and to enjoy playing football again.”
Bamford’s story at Leeds was one of perseverance, from early criticism about missed chances to becoming a symbol of their Premier League resurgence. His humility and grounded nature have made him one of English football’s more relatable figures. And while his next step remains uncertain, there’s a growing feeling that his chapter with Leeds might not be completely closed just yet.
“I’ll always keep Leeds in my heart,” Bamford concluded. “It’s a place that changed my life — and who knows, maybe fate has a funny way of bringing people back together.”
As the January transfer window approaches, those words may well ignite a flicker of hope among Leeds supporters dreaming of a sentimental reunion — one that could see Patrick Bamford once again leading the line in front of a roaring Elland Road crowd.