Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has hinted at a possible move to Major League Soccer (MLS), suggesting he might be open to the idea if the timing is right. This comes as Leeds celebrate their return to the Premier League after a two-year absence. While Bamford has been part of the team’s jubilations, his role on the pitch this season has been minimal. He hasn’t started a single match or scored any goals, often finding himself sidelined as Daniel Farke has favored Joel Piroe as the lead striker. Piroe, who ended the campaign as the club’s top scorer with 19 league goals, has been supported by the likes of Manor Solomon, Willy Gnonto, and Brenden Aaronson. Even young forward Mateo Joseph has moved ahead of Bamford in the squad’s attacking hierarchy.
In a recent interview with CBS Golazo, Bamford revealed that playing in the United States has long been an ambition. He explained that moving abroad—specifically to America—was something he’d considered earlier in his career. For him, the appeal lies in experiencing a different culture, lifestyle, and league. He also mentioned discussing the idea with his family, although he admitted there’s no clear timeline for such a move.
Bamford’s time at Leeds has been marred by injuries in recent years, limiting his contributions on the field. Although he’s been with the club for seven years, fitness issues have seen his impact diminish. This past season, he made just 17 appearances in the Championship, all as a substitute, and failed to find the back of the net. With only eight goals across the last two Championship seasons and a total of just 14 league goals over four years, questions have arisen about his long-term value to the club—especially as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
| Patrick Bamford’s last four seasons at Leeds – Stats per SofaScore – League matches only | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Division | Appearances | Goals |
| 2021/22 | Premier League | 9 | 2 |
| 2022/23 | Premier League | 28 | 4 |
| 2023/24 | Championship | 33 | 8 |
| 2024/25 | Championship | 17 | 0 |
Now 31 years old and approaching 32 as the 2025/26 season begins, Bamford may benefit from a fresh start. His current wages, reportedly around £40,000 per week, could deter interest from Premier League or EFL clubs. However, MLS—with its unique salary and transfer structure—might be a viable destination. With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted in the U.S., the league is looking to grow its global profile. Signing a player with Premier League experience and a former England cap, like Bamford, could be a strategic move for an MLS side—even if it doesn’t reach the high-profile heights of Lionel Messi’s 2023 move to Inter Miami. For Bamford, it could be a chance to fulfill a long-held dream and close out his career on a high note in a new environment.
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