Patrick Bamford’s next Championship move has been suggested after Leeds United snub, it’s not Wrexham

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Patrick Bamford has been told that he has no Leeds United future as he heads into the last year of his contract at Elland Road.

Leeds United have added in Lukas Nmecha, leaving Daniel Farke to tell Bamford he’s not in the plans of the club ahead of their Premier League return.

Despite giving the club seven years of service, Bamford has dealt with widespread criticism at Leeds. In his time, Bamford has become one of Leeds’ best players statistically.

Simon Jordan agrees with Farke on Bamford, and many may see it as the correct decision given that Bamford isn’t the same player he was under Marcelo Bielsa.

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Graham Smyth explains where he thinks Patrick Bamford’s next club should be

Bamford still hopes to play for England again, which is why he has worked so hard to get fit in Leeds’ pre-season. It will stand him in good stead for his next move this summer.

The question over where remains. Bamford is open to an MLS switch at some stage and perhaps his mindset could change in the future, while Wrexham have been linked to Bamford as well.

Dan Moylan asked: “It feels like there’s a certain amount of, and it’s applicable where Bamford’s concerned, strong arming him?”

Smyth replied: “Yeah. Yeah. I think that’s fair. If you’re faced with the prospect of playing in the 21s and your only goals being Premier League 2 goals, then, at 31, that’s not really an ideal situation.

“I know that I know for a fact that Bamford backs himself and still thinks that he’s got something to prove something that he can bring. So, I would imagine he’ll be very keen to go somewhere and score goals and be able to say, ‘I told you so.’

“But it’s just the where, and the who, and at what level. Which is another fascinating one with him and the Harrison one. I almost can’t wait to see how it plays out.

Moylan then asked: “That that’ll be the big tell, won’t it? It’s where he ends up and where the interest comes from where Bamford’s concerned.

“And whether people have enough faith in his ability and think he’s worth the investment at this stage to take him on. Where do you see him ending up? A Championship club somewhere maybe?

Smyth added: “I can’t see MLS because of his age, his recent struggles with injury, and the wages. Because, if you’re bringing in a Bamford, he’s going to be one of your exemptions. Basically, what [Mateusz] Klich has been until yesterday.

“I think they’re looking for players that they know they’ll be able to absolutely rely on for every game because you’re going outside of your salary cap for those players, aren’t you? You’re making a special exception for them.

“I don’t think he fits the profile. I could be wrong, but I don’t think he fits the profile for that. I’ve always thought over the last couple of years — I don’t know why — always thought he’s like a bit of a Stoke signing.

“Now, maybe Leeds would have to swallow some of the wages on a move like that, but he could go to Stoke and score a few goals — and the expectation, the pressure I certainly think would be less intense than it is at Leeds.

“And maybe that would suit him.”

• READ MORE: Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford spotted paying homage to Marcelo Bielsa

Patrick Bamford’s career stats by competition

There is every chance that the 31-year-old never plays Premier League football again, but Bamford has had an impact in both the first and second tiers of English football.

However, Bamford is on the decline, having scored just 14 league goals in the last four seasons in total. At his age, can he recapture form and fitness?

Bamford’s ability to lead the line, his experience, and his intelligence are all reasons for clubs to have an interest in his services. It’s a sad ending to his Leeds chapter, but his desire to continue playing showcases he has a point to prove.