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Leeds United fans were sent into a frenzy this week as Patrick Bamford, the club’s former Championship-winning hero, was spotted back at Thorp Arch training with the first team. The 32-year-old striker, now a free agent after his Leeds contract was mutually terminated in August 2025, has been without a club since the summer — but his return to the club’s training ground has reignited hope of a romantic homecoming.Bamford, who scored 59 goals in 179 appearances for Leeds, remains a cult figure at Elland Road. His 19-goal haul in the 2019/20 promotion season under Marcelo Bielsa was pivotal, and his 17 Premier League strikes the following year cemented his status as a modern great. Despite injury struggles and limited minutes under Daniel Farke last term, the Englishman never lost the dressing room’s respect.
Sources close to the club confirm Bamford has been granted permission to train with Leeds to maintain fitness — a common courtesy for ex-players. However, Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Phil Hay noted on October 29 that “informal discussions” have taken place about a potential short-term deal. With Joel Piroe misfiring and Mateo Joseph still raw, Farke is reportedly open to re-integrating Bamford until January, especially with Pascal Struijk’s injury adding defensive strain and squad depth concerns.
No official approach has been made, and Bamford’s camp is also fielding Championship interest — Coventry City allowed him to train last week under Frank Lampard — but the pull of unfinished business at Leeds is strong. As one Thorp Arch insider told The Athletic: “Pat still calls this place home. If the numbers work, why not?”Leeds, third in the Championship and unbeaten in six, face a crunch November. A fit, motivated Bamford — even on a pay-as-you-play deal — could be the missing piece in their automatic promotion push. For a player who once said “Leeds is in my blood,” the door may not be fully closed.
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