Former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has secured a surprising new club, joining Championship side Sheffield United on a free transfer just months after being involved in a controversial incident aimed at his new manager, Chris Wilder.
An Awkward Reunion at Bramall Lane
The 32-year-old forward, who has one England cap, has signed an initial short-term deal running until January, giving him a chance to prove his worth at his new club. This move comes after Bamford's contract at Leeds expired in the summer, with Daniel Farke's promotion-winning side opting against an extension.
Bamford's arrival at Sheffield United sets up a potentially uncomfortable reunion with Blades boss Wilder. Footage from April 2025 shows Bamford leading Leeds fans in a chant of "Wilder is a w***er" during celebrations after Leeds secured promotion back to the Premier League with a 6-0 win over Stoke. Teammate Harry Gray, who made his debut in that match, also appeared in the viral clip.
From Promotion Hero to Relegation Battle
Bamford's contribution to Leeds' promotion came as a substitute in that decisive victory and in the final two games of the season. His move now sees him switching from a promotion-winning campaign to a relegation battle with Sheffield United, who are currently three points from safety after winning just three of their opening 15 league matches.
The striker joins a Sheffield United side that has endured a difficult start to the season under previous manager Ruben Selles. Wilder himself only returned to Bramall Lane for his third spell as manager in September, having been dismissed after the Blades missed out on automatic promotion to Leeds and Burnley before losing to Sunderland in the play-off final.
A Chance for Redemption
Bamford's recent career has been hampered by injuries since his impressive 17-goal Premier League campaign under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020/21. Over the last four seasons, he has managed just 87 appearances and failed to score across 17 substitute appearances last term.
He now joins fellow England international striker Danny Ings at Sheffield United, though Ings has yet to open his account for his new club since joining from West Ham in June. Wilder expressed frustration after his team's recent 0-0 draw with QPR, stating: "We are lacking a bit of belief and confidence and that is what our position in the table equates to."
Bamford's short-term deal provides him with an opportunity to rediscover his scoring touch and help lift Sheffield United away from the Championship relegation zone, while potentially mending his relationship with the manager he once publicly criticised.
