This summer is a huge one for Leeds United, with multiple key additions needed across the squad to bolster the ranks and give them the best chance of Premier League survival.
Daniel Farke has done an excellent job in leading the club out of the Championship, but the real test starts now for the German to build on the success he’s endured in his two years in the role.
It’s been reported that he will have around £100m available to make the additions he wants to the first-team squad at Elland Road, hopefully aiding him in his attempts.
However, to make room for such signings, other players currently on the books in Yorkshire may have to be sacrificed to help with the overhaul of the squad.
One player could be set to depart the Whites in the coming months, potentially putting an end to his long-standing stint as a first-team regular at the club.
The latest on Patrick Bamford’s future at Leeds
Striker Patrick Bamford has been a superb servant to Leeds over the years, netting a total of 60 goals since his big-money arrival from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2018.
However, he’s missed a large chunk of 2024/25 through injury, restricting him to just 17 league appearances – none of which have come from a starting position.
The 31-year-old has also failed to find the back of the net once across all competitions during the recent season, but hasn’t deterred Wrexham from previously being interested in hanging the experienced ace.
He was utilised as a late substitute towards the back end of the campaign after recovering from injury, but given the promotion to the Premier League, now is the perfect time to part ways with the striker.
It would be an emotional departure given his previous impact in England’s top-flight for the Whites, but ultimately it’s a decision that needs to be made, potentially being joined by another player out of the door in Yorkshire.
Not just Bamford: £20k-per-week Leeds man also needs to leave
The previous six promoted teams from the Championship have all been relegated from the Premier League at the first attempt – highlighting the gap between the two divisions.
Such situations have proven that huge money needs to be spent to bridge the gap between the two divisions, with the Whites not able to carry any passengers in such a league.
It’s an unforgiving league which will punish you if you’re not at your best, something which the club have previously experienced after relegation back in 2022/23.
If they are to be a success, they will have to be brutal and avoid handing a new contract to full-back Sam Byram despite his impressive campaign under Farke this time around.
The 31-year-old, who joined on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, has made 76 appearances during his second stint at Elland Road, offering a dependable option in the backline.
However, ultimately, he’s not a Premier League player, with funds needing to be spent wisely if they are to have the calibre of players needed to avoid relegation.
The £20k-per-week earner has started 16 league matches in 2024/25, registering one goal and one assist, but given his £20k-per-week wages, the hierarchy could save £1m a season to invest in other areas with his departure.
Appearances
36
Starts
16
Pass accuracy
83%
Goals & assists
2
Tackles won
1.2
Duel success rate
55%
Fouls committed
1.2
His contract is set to expire at the end of June, with such a situation providing a timely ending to his time in Yorkshire, allowing for fresh blood to enter the club and improve the squad.
It may prove to be an unpopular decision given his squad role under Farke, but unfortunately for Byram, he’s been a victim of their success this season.
He and Bamford departing the club would allow for space and money in the first-team squad, handing Farke added funds to build a competitive outfit for England’s top-flight next year.
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