Celtic make move towards signing Patrick Bamford after Leeds United exit
Celtic are looking to sign free agent striker Patrick Bamford following his Leeds United release as they search for new additions to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ forward line.
Patrick Bamford became a cult hero at Elland Road for his scoring exploits at the club in both the Premier League and Championship, but things turned sour last season as he struggled with injury and form concerns.
Bamford was told that he was not part of Daniel Farke’s Leeds plans for this season in July, and was told that he would not be involved in Leeds’ pre-season camp in Germany while being excluded from first-team training ahead of the new campaign.
Football Insider recently revealed that Bamford is open to staying in England or moving abroad this summer amid a likely Elland Road exit, and Leeds confirmed Bamford’s departure on Thursday (29 August) with the two parties choosing to mutually cancel his contract.
Celtic have been scrambling to sign a new striker after Adam Idah left the club to join Swansea, and they have now made an approach to Bamford following the end of the summer transfer window.
Celtic make contact with Patrick Bamford
The Herald (Tuesday, 2 September) have revealed that Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have made contact with Bamford over a potential move to Glasgow.
Their report states that it is unclear whether any deal can be done in time for the Europa League deadline at 11pm on Tuesday, but they have been in touch and a move may now happen amid his search for a new club.
Patrick Bamford could thrive at Celtic if he stays injury-free
Football Insider verdict
Celtic are in real need of attacking additions right now, after they sold Idah to Swansea without a ready-made replacement through the door then were unable to bring anyone in on deadline day.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (2 September) that Brendan Rodgers is “unhappy” with the Celtic board after they failed to bring in a new forward, missing out on the likes of Kasper Dolberg, David Datro Fofana and Kelechi Iheanacho despite exploring moves for all three.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 205 | 60 | 25 |
Many Celtic fans would likely write off Bamford before seeing him kick a ball if he is to arrive at Parkhead, but he does have impressive pedigree after netting relatively regularly for Leeds when fit, and could do well if he keeps out of the treatment room.
His injury record is troublesome, having missed 26 games in the last two seasons at Leeds, but now that he has had a few months to rest and recuperate without playing first-team football, he could prove to be a smart addition for the Hoops as they aim to retain their Premiership crown.
They are struggling to find realistic options to add to Rodgers’ squad right now regardless, so the 31-year-old could be the best striker available right now and they may have to make a concrete approach just to simply get one more body through the door.