Patrick Bamford has commented on his Leeds United future

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Patrick Bamford has told BBC Radio Leeds that he wants to stay at Leeds United for the next five years and feels settled at the club, less than two years after completing a big-money move to Elland Road.

Bamford, 26, joined Leeds in a deal that would eventually reach £10million (BBC). The former Middlesbrough, Chelsea and Norwich City striker has scored 23 goals in 63 appearances for Leeds since his move.

However, Bamford has been criticised at times. The second most-expensive signing since the club were relegated from the Premier League, behind Helder Costa, Bamford was expected to bring back the goal rate of a certain Chris Wood.

Wood netted 30 goals in 2016-17, and although Bamford has not matched those goalscoring heights – Marcelo Bielsa is clearly an admirer and Bamford has earned the Argentine’s trust. The striker stated he wants to stay until 2025.

“I needed a club to settle at after lots of loan spells and I though that was Middlesbrough,” Bamford said. “But since I’ve come here, I’ve never been as settled in terms of the area. I’m close to my family.

“Love the club, love the training ground, love the lads, everything about it is perfect. I would be delighted to be here for the forseeable future, at least the next five years and see what we can achieve.”

TBR’s view – Should Leeds extend Bamford contract?

If Bamford is to stay at Leeds for another five years, he will need to sign a new contract. The striker has a contract until the summer of 2022 at Elland Road, so should Leeds look to keep Bamford until he is 31?

One of the highest earners at Elland Road, Bamford’s influence on the side is underrated. It showed against West Brom, with Bamford coming on at half-time to completely transform Leeds.

Yes, Bamford is currently crucial to Leeds. But with promotion a possibility, should Leeds extend his contract? Such a move should be put on ice, for the time being.