This week, more than ever, it feels appropriate to discuss the future of Leeds United’s striking options.
Joe Gelhardt is on his way to Championship rivals Hull City in the knowledge that another underwhelming loan spell – like the one he endured at Sunderland – could bring about an early end to an Elland Road career which promised so much.
And while Wrexham played down reports linking them with Patrick Bamford, it’s fair to say Blackburn Rovers have done precisely the opposite.
Blackburn boss John Eustace labelled Bamford ‘a very good player’, while admitting that Leeds United’s long-serving number nine is indeed someone on the radar of the play-off dark horses.
Now, whether Leeds would consider letting Bamford go is another matter. Injuries have taken their toll on his body but Daniel Farke still feels Bamford could be the difference in a tight promotion battle. Yet, even if Leeds do put off any decision over the 31-year-old’s future until the summer, this would feel like a delaying of the inevitable.
Kicking the proverbial can down the road.
Jusef Erabi opens up on interest as Leeds United face Patrick Bamford decision
With more injuries than starts this season, the time is surely approaching for Leeds to replace an increasingly rusty motor with a younger, zippier model.
Take Jusef Erabi for instance.
Leeds reportedly held talks to sign Jusef Erabi from Hammarby IF over the summer. And, if more recent reports are to be believed, the Sweden Under-21 striker still has admirers at Elland Road.
Erabi, allegedly valued at around £8 million, is not the most prolific of centre-forwards. He netted 11 goals in 28 games across the 2024 campaign. What Erabi would provide, however, is a broad-shouldered, 6ft frame capable of shrugging off defenders inside the penalty area.
That is an area of Bamford’s game which really came to the fore during happier times, and an area in which Joel Piroe has struggled. Farke likes his centre-forwards to offer a presence with their back to goal and bring Leeds’ array of talented widemen into play.
Hence why he has often called upon Mateo Joseph, despite his wastefulness in the final third.
Erabi, dubbed the ‘Swedish Hulk’ by some, knows he is not the finished article. But hone those talents – the Stockholm-born frontman has plenty of time on his side at just 21 – and there is no reason why doors will not open up to him in the near future.
“Anything is possible,” Erabi tells Aftonbladet. “[I must] get better in the box, score more goals. Outside the box, the movement without the ball, all that [must be improved].
“Interest and such is always there. The day it’s concrete, I’ll take it, but I’m taking it easy and focusing on training hard.”
Sweden Under-21 star admits interest is ‘flattering’
Erabi accepts that a move to Italy – he, like Bamford, has been linked with Patrick Vieira’s Genoa – appeals to him.
He also admits that, while his love for Hammarby will never be dimmed, there comes a time where ambitious footballers like him have to put themselves and their own career prospects first.
“Yes, of course, [the interest from abroad] is flattering,” Erabi adds. “Then, if it’s the right step or the right choice, you have to take it.
“[Hammarby] is really the club I grew up in. But, like every player and coach does, you have to think about yourself, your own best interests. So it wouldn’t bother me at all if we were to win the Swedish league and I wasn’t here.
“I would just be happy.”
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