Why £10m Leeds United player has been absent from club’s training videos so far this summer

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Leeds United’s players are back in the swing of things as Daniel Farke prepares his side for the 2024-25 campaign, but one key player has been a notable absentee from training videos so far.

Last week, we saw Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville laugh hilariously at Ethan Ampadu’s new look. We also saw the likes of Kristoffer Klaesson and Charlie Cresswell, both of whom have now left Leeds.

Then, in a second video uploaded by Leeds to the club’s YouTube and other social platforms, we saw three groups partake in the bleep test. Sam Byram stood out as the most-impressive player of the three.

James Debayo, an 18-year-old centre-back, was included in the tests with Leeds lacking in cover in the middle of the defence despite the signing of Joe Rodon. Liam Cooper and Cresswell have since left Leeds.

• READ MORE: Leeds set to sign player that left Georginio Rutter with his head in his hands

Key Leeds player’s absence from pre-season training explained

But one key player has been absent and that is Patrick Bamford. The £10m striker was a key part of the push to finish in the top two places during the second half of 23-24, having warmed the bench initially.

The 30-year-old striker is expected to surpass 200 appearances for Leeds in the upcoming campaign. Two years left on his Elland Road contract, Bamford has scored 60 goals in his 187 appearances for Leeds.

However, the one-time England man has not been seen in training videos this summer. Graham Smyth reports on the Yorkshire Evening Post website that it is because Leeds are airing on the side of caution.

There is interest in Patrick Bamford this summer, he could go

Indeed, Leeds are gradually increasing Bamford’s workload instead of throwing him right in at the deep end given he missed the last weeks of the season including the play-off final at Wembley due to injury.

Bamford obviously has a poor recent history with injury and Leeds are doing what they can to make sure he is fit and ready to go at the start of the campaign, avoiding further complications down the line.

The striker is the subject of interest this summer with reports claiming Leeds will sell either Bamford or Joel Piroe before the deadline, with foreign clubs said to be showing interest in both forwards.