Leeds United: Daniel Farke makes Premier League claim involving Patrick Bamford | OneFootball

Farke expressed how important he feels Bamford is to his team, despite his limited impact against Sheffield United.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke believes his team may have been in the Premier League now if Patrick Bamford was fit during the latter stages of last term.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, he made these comments after seeing Bamford come on during the latter stages of last night's clash against Sheffield United.

His contributions weren't required in the end, with Pascal Struijk putting the Whites ahead and Mateo Joseph sealing the points for Leeds late on, with Joel Piroe's through ball making Joseph's goal possible.

Claiming a 2-0 victory, Leeds are now in a stronger position, with the Whites sitting in second place ahead of today's round of Championship fixtures.

There's every chance they will be out of the top two again at the end of play today - but they have come out on top in a difficult game and are doing well in their quest to redeem themselves following their play-off heartbreak last season.

Winning 90 points in total during the 2023/24 campaign, they finished in third place. And having secured a 4-0 win against Norwich City in the play-off semi-final, they looked to be the favourites going into the final against Southampton.

Unfortunately for them, they fell short in the end, with Adam Armstrong's goal proving to be the difference between the two sides in the end.

Leeds didn't perform well enough in the English capital - and only Dan James was able to come on and make any sort of impact for the West Yorkshire side.

With this poor performance in mind, redemption will be important for the Whites if they are to recover from that Wembley defeat.

Daniel Farke makes Patrick Bamford claim after Leeds United absence

Bamford has spent a chunk of his time on the sidelines since the Whites' return to the Championship.

If he had featured more, especially during the latter stages of last season, Farke thinks Leeds would be competing at the top level now.

He said: "We are on a good path, we know this, good shape, delivering good performances, rock solid defensively and creating chances.

"You need a bit of luck with injuries too and so far it's a tricky situation, just one or two injuries away from really big problems to pick a starting line-up.

"I'm still convinced with a fit Patrick Bamford we would already play on Premier League level. We didn't have him available for the run-in and play-offs.

"One or two injuries can stop you. We have to be switched on and aware and fully on it. There are really good teams in this league. Watford [Leeds’ next opponents] can more than surprise."

Daniel Farke's comments on Patrick Bamford are interesting

There has been speculation about Bamford's future in the past week or so.

It has even been reported that both the player and the club are open to his exit from Elland Road.

However, listening to Farke's comments, it looks as though the Whites' manager still sees the experienced forward as a key part of his plans.

With this in mind, a January exit is surely unlikely.