The massive European club that bid for Leeds United’s Jermaine Beckford, alongside Celtic and Newcastle

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Jermaine Beckford’s future at Leeds United was always a talking point from 2008 onwards, before his eventual departure in 2010. But along the way, he scored a ton of goals.

Initially, Beckford was picked up from non-League while working as a windscreen fitter for the RAC. It took him a bit of time to finally find his stride at Leeds, after loans at Carlisle and Scunthorpe United.

But at 24, Beckford broke into the Leeds first team regularly, playing a major role in Leeds’ three years in League One. In 2007-08, he scored 20 goals. The next season, Beckford amassed a massive 34 goals.

His final season, with his contract set to expire at the end of the year, saw Beckford score 31 times and net two of the most important goals in the club’s history. It remains a song sung by Leeds supporters.

That winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup on January 3, 2010 was a reminder to the footballing world that Leeds are back on the up. He scored the goal to secure promotion, as well.

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Celtic, Newcastle and a Champions League giant made bids

Down to 10 men after Max Gradel was sent off, Beckford donned the captain’s armband and after Jonny Howson had equalised against Bristol Rovers, Beckford bobbled home a goal to put Leeds 2-1 in front.

But he would never play in the Championship for Leeds. Instead, he jumped two leagues, joining Premier League side Everton in the summer of 2010 for nothing. Beckford spoke to Undr The Cosh this week.

He says during his time at Leeds, Benfica made him an offer: “There were always clubs sniffing around. At Leeds, I had offers from Benfica, Braga. Celtic and Newcastle. Really good offers from amazing clubs.”

Jermaine Beckford’s career after Leeds United in numbers

Beckford would never score the goals he did at Leeds, after his Elland Road exit. But perhaps, the striker was unfortunate to only play one season in the Premier League, after moving to Everton in 2010.

He clocked up 40 appearances, scoring 10 goals and laying on five assists under David Moyes in a side that also included Mikel Arteta, Marouane Fellaini and Yakubu. But he was sold a year later by Everton.

Leicester under Sven-Goran Eriksson came next, before spells at Huddersfield, Preston and Bury before retirement at the end of the 2018-19 season. More than 400 games, and a total of 168 professional goals.