Patrick Bamford shares reaction when Leeds were linked with Rodrigo

Add as preferred source on Google

Patrick Bamford has told The Leeds United podcast that he was concerned when the Whites were linked with Rodrigo Moreno in the summer, fearing that he could spend all season on the bench. 

Despite finishing as the title-winners’ leading goalscorer last term, Bamford had to deal with plenty of doubters heading into this campaign.

Admittedly, the 27-year-old’s tally of 16 goals should have arguably been significantly higher. So it was a big statement when the Whites were linked with Rodrigo during the transfer window.

Ultimately, Leeds broke their transfer record to sign the Spain international. And as reported by The Times, he signed a contract worth around £100,000-a-week.

Rodrigo has predominantly played as number 10 during his time at Elland Road. And that will have come as a relief to Bamford. The striker explained that he was initially worried when the links emerged before quickly changing his tune.

“I was thinking, ‘they’re signing the Spanish number nine, what’s happening here? I’m just going to be on the bench all season’,” he told The Leeds United podcast. “And [his agent] said, ‘no, I think that he’s looking at him because he can play with you, he can play number 10, number nine, number seven, number 11. He’s just an attacking player. And I think the fact that he were signing him motivated me.

“As soon as I saw him, you could see how good he was. On the ball, he’s brilliant. And you can tell why he plays for Spain. So once I realised that actually there’s a chance that I could play with him, it got me excited.”

Bamford has done incredibly well to hold onto his spot. Leeds fans would have been forgiven for wanting Rodrigo to lead the line at the start of the season.

The Spaniard was the record signing. Meanwhile, Bamford had come in for criticism last season. But the Englishman has silenced any doubters emphatically.

He has already scored 10 Premier League goals. And there have been moments which suggest that his partnership with Rodrigo could develop into something special.