Former Leeds and Chelsea strioker nearing La Liga switch as free agent | OneFootball

Patrick Bamford Closing in on Getafe Move

Former Leeds United and Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford is on the verge of securing a move to La Liga. According to Football Espana, the 32-year-old is set to join Getafe after months of uncertainty since leaving Elland Road. Bamford has been without a club since the summer, yet despite Getafe’s financial restrictions, progress has been made to bring him in.

“According to Matteo Moretto, Bamford is ‘very close’ to signing with Getafe on a free transfer. He adds that Getafe and his agent plan to finalise the details of the deal today, and that Bamford is preparing to fly to Madrid.”

Career at Leeds United

Bamford’s time in Yorkshire was eventful and enduring. Having developed at Chelsea’s academy, he eventually found his footballing home at Leeds, joining in 2018 for €7.9m from Middlesbrough. He became a central figure through Leeds’ fluctuations between Championship and Premier League campaigns. His tally of 60 goals and 25 assists in 205 appearances underlined his significance to the side.

“Bamford has been a mainstay for the club as they have moved up and down between the Championship and Premier League.”

Options for Jose Bordalas

Getafe have endured issues up front, with Christantus Uche leaving for Crystal Palace on deadline day. Jose Bordalas has long been adept at maximising output from experienced forwards, and Bamford fits that mould. With Borja Mayoral the primary option at centre-forward and Juanmi often filling in, Bamford offers a much-needed alternative.

“If he can get fit and firing, Getafe manager Jose Bordalas has a history of getting plenty out of veteran forwards.”

Madrid Awaits

Getafe’s leading scorer Adrian Liso is set to leave for the Under-20 World Cup, leaving a gap at the heart of the attack. For Bamford, this opportunity represents a late-career challenge in Spain. For Getafe, it could prove a shrewd short-term reinforcement.

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Excitement is mixed with scepticism among football supporters at this news. Bamford has been a loyal servant to Leeds, yet some fans feel his best years are firmly behind him. Moving to La Liga at 32, after injury struggles and inconsistent form, is viewed by many as a risk for both player and club.

However, Getafe supporters might be quietly optimistic. With Christantus Uche gone and Adrian Liso unavailable, they need depth. Bamford, at his best, can hold the ball up, link play and convert half-chances. The question is whether he still has the sharpness to adapt to Spanish football.

Leeds fans may be disappointed to see him move abroad rather than return to English football, yet most will recognise he needed a new challenge. The chance to test himself against La Liga defenders could provide the spark he requires.

For Getafe, it is a gamble worth taking. If Bamford finds rhythm, he could prove invaluable in their push to stay clear of danger. If not, it will be another reminder of the risks involved in leaning on veteran forwards.