Mills shares intriguing insight on Bamford’s new Leeds deal
Patrick Bamford’s new Leeds United contract is likely weighted on appearances beyond the age of 30, according to Danny Mills.
The former Whites and England defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the club will have recognised that the 27-year-old is unlikely to be scoring 15 goals in the Premier League past the age of 30 when negotiating a new deal.
Leeds United confirmed on Thursday that the English striker had put pen to paper on a new five-year contract at Elland Road.
The new agreement comes after a prolific 2020-21 campaign in which Bamford scored 17 goals in the Premier League.
Mills suggested Leeds were protecting an asset by handing Bamford a new five-year deal.
“A player at that age and of that ilk will want at least a four-year deal,” he told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“It is hard to argue against giving him at least that many years after two good seasons.
“Will that go up every single year? Is there a relegation clause? The bulk of the contract in the last two seasons might be appearance money.
“We do not know the ins and outs of it so it is hard to say whether it is a better deal for Leeds or the player.
“Generally, over the age of 30 contracts are weighted more towards appearances.
“Leeds run things very well. They are not stupid. They know how to run a business.
“The club will understand that it is probably unlikely that Bamford will be scoring 15 goals in the Premier League at 31, 32 but it is about protecting your asset.
“If you only give him a two or three year deal you open the door for other clubs.”
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