Celtic Weighing Up Bosman Move For Former Leeds Forward After Contract Termination: Why Rodgers Must Get It Done | OneFootball

If a recent report from the Herald is believed to be true, Celtic are weighing up a move for Patrick Bamford, who is now available as a free agent after terminating his Leeds United contract by mutual agreement. They have already snapped up Kelechi Iheanacho on a Bosman, and could further bolster the frontline by snapping up the veteran Englishman.

The Celtic board’s incompetence hit a new low on transfer deadline day, as they sanctioned Adam Idah’s switch to Swansea City but failed to rope in a like-for-like replacement. Kasper Dolberg rejected a Parkhead move in favour of a return to Ajax, thus leaving the Hoops with no outright ‘number 9’ before the window was slammed shut on Monday at 23:00 BST.

With Daizen Maeda yet to find his rhythm while spearheading the attack, Bamford’s arrival could resolve their striker conundrum temporarily, given his profound experience south of the border. However, he has not played a lot last season due to persistent injury problems, and Daniel Farke, the Leeds boss, labelled him surplus to requirements upon being promoted to the Premier League.

Journey in English Football

The 32-year-old former England international progressed through the academy ranks of Nottingham Forest. He also made two Championship appearances for them ahead of joining Chelsea in January 2012. But the veteran centre-forward never represented the Blues, as he spent his time out on loan at Milton Keynes Dons, Derby County, Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Burnley before completing a £5.5m transfer to Middlesbrough.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Patrick Bamford of Leeds United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Rotherham United at Elland Road on February 10, 2024 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

But the Riversiders failed to retain their top-flight status, and Bamford, after an impressive 2017-18 season in the Championship, joined the Whites for £7m, rising up to £10m depending on bonuses. He hit his prime under the iconic Argentine and helped them reclaim Premier League football.

Why Celtic Should Tie Down The Ex-Leeds Hitman

Bamford’s poaching trait up top was instrumental to Leeds’ 9th-place finish in their first Premier League season since being relegation in 2004. However, he suffered successive injuries in the following campaign and never managed to hit double-digit goals since the 2021-22 season.

Although he regained his fitness this summer, the Peacocks offloaded him to clear their wage bill. But a fresh start in Glasgow could help him revive his career, even though he won’t be eligible for Celtic’s Europa League squad registration. This should be a blessing in disguise for Bamford, as his minutes would be managed carefully to avoid further setbacks. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the management steps up the chase or cools down interest after the Iheanacho deal.