Leicester City could turn to Leeds United for their Jamie Vardy replacement - But there are two issues | OneFootball

Leicester City could turn to Leeds United for their Jamie Vardy replacement - But there are two issues | OneFootball

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·23 luglio 2025

Leicester City could turn to Leeds United for their Jamie Vardy replacement - But there are two issues

Immagine dell'articolo:Leicester City could turn to Leeds United for their Jamie Vardy replacement - But there are two issues

Some big concerns could derail any potential move Leicester City make for Leeds United striker.

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford may well be considered as a potential Jamie Vardy replacement by Leicester City, but some big concerns could derail any potential move.


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The departure of Vardy leaves Leicester facing one of their biggest recruitment challenges in years, with the 38-year-old's 200 goals in 500 appearances showing incredible consistency that will be almost impossible to replicate.

Meanwhile, Leeds' manager, Daniel Farke, confirmed in a post-match press conference that Bamford is not part of his plans for the upcoming Premier League season, putting a stop to a seven-year association for Bamford with the Whites.

Bamford presents an intriguing option for the Foxes, as he does share several characteristics that could make him an ideal successor to Leicester's departed talisman.

The 31-year-old possesses the kind of controversial edge that made Vardy so effective, with a history of incidents that have wound up both opposition players and fans, famously charged with deception of a match official after faking injury against Aston Villa - leading to a two-match ban. Bamford's ability to get under opponents' skin was further demonstrated when he appeared to score with his elbow against Rotherham, and his celebration left the Millers fuming.

Patrick Bamford's wage problem for Leicester City

Immagine dell'articolo:Leicester City could turn to Leeds United for their Jamie Vardy replacement - But there are two issues

The striker currently earns an estimated £70k-per-week at Leeds United, according to Capology estimates. This made him the second-highest paid player in the 24/25 Championship season, behind former Foxes striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who earned an estimated £75k-per-week.

With Leicester facing financial restrictions following relegation and potential points deductions over PSR breaches, such wages would of course represent a huge strain on their budget.

The prospect of taking on Bamford's wage could prove restrictive, particularly given their need to rebuild the squad in multiple areas for another promotion push - although they are yet to sign anyone so far this window (as of 22nd July).

As Leeds are reportedly keen to offload Bamford, which would obviously reduce their wage bill, they might accept a deflated fee - although Bamford is still under contract for another year and has apparently been told if he remains in Yorkshire he has to train with the U21s.

Injury issues raise concern for Patrick Bamford

Immagine dell'articolo:Leicester City could turn to Leeds United for their Jamie Vardy replacement - But there are two issues

Perhaps more concerning than the financial side of things is Bamford's rather extensive injury history, which has become a burden for Leeds.

Bamford's injury record does make for a tough read, with the striker's fitness issues having been so problematic that he managed just 18 appearances last season for Leeds, and failed to register a single goal.

He's faced issues affecting virtually every part of his body - from hamstring tears, knee injuries, foot problems, and muscle strains.

The striker himself has admitted to rushing back from injury prematurely, stating he knew he was going to get injured again but forced himself back to help Leeds' relegation fight in the 21/22 season.

Leicester City's striking dilemma

Immagine dell'articolo:Leicester City could turn to Leeds United for their Jamie Vardy replacement - But there are two issues

The Foxes need both reliability and consistency as they attempt to bounce back from relegation at the first attempt. Bamford's track record suggests he can not provide either, despite his undoubted quality when fit and firing.

Leicester's current situation in the second-tier with potential PSR sanctions does mean they need to be shrewd in the transfer window. Taking a punt on an injury-prone striker earning Premier League wages could prove a disaster.

While Bamford's personality and playing style might appeal to Leicester supporters who loved Vardy's antics, the practical concerns surrounding wages and injuries make any deal filled with risk.

Leicester may need to look elsewhere for their striking solution, perhaps targeting younger options who can offer better value for money in their Championship campaign.

The search for Vardy's replacement continues, but Bamford's baggage - both financial and physical - may prove too heavy for Leicester to carry, despite the links that might now surface.

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