Patrick Bamford is the latest Leeds United player to be linked with the exit door at Elland Road as League One side Wrexham and Serie A outfit Genoa show interest in the striker.
The 31-year-old striker’s injury issues have seen him relegated to third-choice striker. Mateo Joseph’s form in pre-season saw the Spaniard overtake Bamford, with the latter unable to take part in pre-season.
Joel Piroe remains first choice as he sits on seven goals this season and 10 goal involvements in total. It has seen Bamford fail to start a single game for Leeds in the Championship during the 2024-25 season.
With 18 months left on his £40k-a-week contract, Bamford is being linked with Genoa and Wrexham. It is claimed Leeds are preparing for Bamford’s January exit by targeting duo Louie Barry and Dor Turgeman.
Daniel Farke asked if he is aware of any interest in his Leeds stars
It was only at the start of the month that Farke described Bamford as “crucial”. But, Bamford has stayed on the bench and while he has remained fit for the large part of the season, has only been used as a sub.
It might be that Bamford will only get a second start – having started against Middlesbrough in the Cup – when Leeds take on Harrogate in the FA Cup. On Thursday, Farke held his pre-Oxford press conference.
The German was asked if he is aware of any interest with Wrexham and Genoa interested in Bamford. The Leeds boss replied by saying he won’t discuss January until after the game on January 4th against Hull.
“No I’m not aware of any interest, we want all our players to be focused on us right now. We have spoke about some injuries and we need to rotate and we need the whole squad to be focused on the next five.
“After the 4th of January and the FA Cup game, then we can speak about January. Till the 4th of January, there won’t be any decisions made. Want all the players to be focused,” Farke told his press conference.
Genoa move will surely appeal to Bamford in January window
While Wrexham may appeal to the celebrity side of Bamford, the chances of Leeds allowing him to go on loan without his wages being paid in full – or close to it – seems unlikely. Wrexham can’t afford his wage.
But Genoa can, especially after a takeover this month. Patrick Vieira almost became Leeds boss in 2023 and could now get to manage Bamford, and it would see Bamford play up top with Mario Balotelli.
Not only that but Genoa sit 13th in Serie A. A mid-table, top-tier Italian side and a brief loan with the Italian club will surely tempt Bamford at this stage, who has not yet left England throughout his career.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
