‘Ridiculous’ – Leeds Exclusive: Whelan reacts to Bamford transfer claim
Noel Whelan insisted it is “ridiculous” for Patrick Bamford to claim he wants to stay at Leeds United for five years.
The former Whites and Coventry striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, urged the 26-year-old not to look beyond next season as a lot can change in a year in football.
The striker told the Yorkshire Evening Post he intends, if possible, to snub any transfer offers and remain at Elland Road for the next five years.
Bamford has two years left on his current contract having put pen to paper on a four-year deal when he signed from Middlesborough in the summer of 2018.
Whelan claimed Bamford deserves to be in the club’s plans but expects summer arrivals to give the striker greater competition next season.
“To say five years in a football environment is ridiculous,” he told Football Insider.
“Most people do not stay at a football club these days longer than three.
“I do not think Patrick should look any further than this coming season. Finish this one-off and he has earned the right to start the next one even if we are in the Premier League.
“He knows he needs to improve his goalscoring but his work rate has been exceptional. It has been invaluable.
“If they go up Leeds will be looking to strengthen and he will have to up his game because he is going to have competition.
“Fiver years ahead? You cannot do that. No one knows what is happening next season. One year is long in a football environment.”
Bamford has been Marcelo Bielsa’s preferred choice up-front this season, featuring 36 times in the Championship.
In all competitions, the former Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Burnley striker has scored 13 goals and provided three assists this campaign.
In other Leeds United news, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider ‘exciting’ left-footer may be sold this summer.