Leeds United fans react as Daniel Farke explains why Patrick Bamford is no longer part of his plans ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Farke has informed the 31 year old that he will train with the under-21 squad if he does stay on at the club.
Bamford, who has scored 60 goals in 205 appearances for Leeds since joining in 2018, was left out of a recent pre-season match, prompting speculation about his future.
Farke, citing that Bamford’s injury struggles and the need for a main striker role that he cannot guarantee at Premier League level, was transparent about his decision.
Bamford will not join the first team’s pre-season camp in Germany and will train with the under-21s to maintain fitness.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke has told Patrick Bamford he is “not part” of his plans this season, and will have to train with the under-21s if he stays at Elland Road. ❌ pic.twitter.com/wdazRrZzOR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 20, 2025
Daniel Farke confirms that he told Patrick Bamford that he isn’t part of his plans for the season. More @MailSport #LUFC pic.twitter.com/RRAvSf8AjF
— Aadam Patel (@aadamp9) July 19, 2025
Leeds manager Daniel Farke said: With Patrick (Bamford), I had a really open and honest conversation.
‘I would have preferred a completely fit Patrick Bamford in the last two seasons. He knows how much I rate him as a person.
‘It was the second day of pre-season when I told him in my office that he wasn’t part of my plans for the upcoming Premier League season, due to the fact that he’s had really difficult years over the past few years.
‘For me, Patrick is someone who needs to be the main man. If he gets this, he will score goals at every level because he’s a top player,’ said Farke.
‘But after the last few seasons, I wasn’t willing to do this and say he was our main man at Premier League level. With the CV he’s had at Leeds United, he shouldn’t be a back up option. This is not what you should be when you are the main man for so many years,’ the Leeds boss added.
‘He has trained really professionally and his reaction was top class, as expected. He liked the openness and honesty. Patrick has done so much for this club over the last seven years, winning two promotions.
‘He trained with us over the first two weeks but I told him that once we go to the training camp, I will reduce the size of my group so that’s why I made this cut right now,
‘It was really tough because Patrick knows 100 per cent how much I rate him as a player. To have such a conversation with him, especially when he looked really sharp and highly motivated when he came in.
‘Like always, he’s an unbelievable professional. There’s no one to blame. In the last one and a half years, with not too many appearances or goals, it’s unlucky as he had several injuries.’
‘I’m pretty sure that he would have preferred if I told him he was the main man. It’s never an easy conversation, especially for a player that’s done so much for Leeds United. When he sits face-to-face in front of me, it’s always difficult but I’d rather have this conversation than send my sporting director. It’s the toughest part of the job as a manager.
‘I was also pretty grateful because it was so emotional for myself. We’ve had so many good experiences. Patrick behaved like a gentleman. Yes, he would have wished for something else but his reaction was top-class and I’m grateful for how he reacted.’
Twitter users gave their reaction as Leeds manager Daniel Farke explains why Patrick Bamford is no longer part of his plans…
@GavinMoores: I mean 99% of people wanted Bamford out. But because Farke has now told him it’s time to go he’s a c*nt! Typically fanbase we have #lufc
@Priestley_AP: Under Bielsa he was key player in promotion and the 9th place PL finish, for a while we were a better team when he was up front. For that he deserves respect and to be well thought of and fans should remember he was a £7m striker not a £70m one… #Bamford #LUFC
After 7 years, 60 goals, 1 England Cap and 2 Championship Titles 🏆 – Patrick Bamford has played his last competitive game for Leeds United.
If we don’t see you in a Leeds shirt again, you are always welcome back at Elland Road with open arms.
Good luck, Champ. #LUFC | 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/GvmasqzZ9I
— The Leeds Salute (@TLSalute1919) July 19, 2025
Incredible under Bielsa, led us to the Premier League and then to 9th with 17 goals
Good luck with what comes next, wishing you nothing but the best!👊 #LUFC pic.twitter.com/M7W4QvIrxN
— Totally Leeds (@TotallyLeeds) July 19, 2025
One of the best memories I have of Bamford pic.twitter.com/hPauWUgXdJ#lufc #mot
— Sacha (@Sacha_D5) July 20, 2025
