According to The Telegraph, Tottenham have set their sights on Patrick Bamford. They are tracking the Leeds United forward as a potential option, with Nuno Espirito Santo keen on further strengthening his options in the final third. Spurs are also confident of keeping hold of Harry Kane, meaning Bamford is being eyed as an alternative rather than a replacement.
Patrick Bamford’s Success At Leeds United
A much-maligned figure in English football due to his struggles at Chelsea, Patrick Bamford has had a sensational turnaround in his career following a move to Elland Road in 2018. He joined the club for a fee of around €8 million, which proved to be a bargain for Leeds United, as the forward has been pouring in goals since.
Bamford scored only nine goals in his first season at the club, but he really picked up in the following year. During the 2019/20 campaign, his tally of 16 goals and four assists in 45 matches were vital in helping Leeds United win the Championship and subsequently gain promotion to the top-flight.
The former Chelsea starlet silenced his critics further when he replicated his performances in the Premier League as well. Indeed, the forward found the back of the net 17 times last season, emerging as one of the league’s highest goalscorers.
During his time under Marcelo Bielsa, Bamford has not only significantly improved his finishing prowess has but also enhanced himself into a more versatile forward who can hold up the ball and bring others into the play.
Is He A Good Option For Tottenham?
Tottenham Hotspur‘s pursuit of Patrick Bamford is quite bizarre if they are to keep hold of Kane this summer. But should the Englishman depart, the addition of the Leeds United man could be a sensible move by the club.
From a gameplay perspective, Bamford is a like for like replacement for Kane as he is good with the ball and can drop deep if necessary. There are major question marks over his finishing skills despite his 17 goal tally last season, but given the current state of the market, Tottenham may not find any better alternatives.
Tactically, the Leeds United frontman should appear as an ideal supporting player for someone like Son Heung-Min, who likes to drift centrally. Their offensive combination could certainly make a lot of sense, especially with additional creative support from the likes of Giovani Lo Celso, Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn.
However, it remains unlikely that Bamford himself would want to move to north London, especially if Kane remains at the club. He has been given a lot of support by Leeds United and is set to become their primary forward for yet another campaign, with another bright season helping him gain a place in the England squad competing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup next year.