Leeds United are on the verge of gaining promotion to the Premier League, sitting top of the Championship table as things stand.
After losing the play-off semi-final to Derby County last term, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been excellent in responding and bouncing back this time round.
Sitting at the very top of the league table as the Championship season returns on the weekend of June 20, Bielsa will have in the back of his mind, preparations for next season.
Looking ahead to next term, Bielsa can be happy with the majority of his squad, having seen them perform to a very high standard on a consistent basis through the 2019/2020 season.
Defensively astute, the Argentine coach will need to look at strengthening that area with Ben White set to return to Brighton and Hove Albion this summer and Gaetano Berardi’s contract coming to an end.
Looking further up the pitch, Bielsa will also look to improve his goal scoring options with Patrick Bamford playing the majority of the season.
Jean-Kevin Augustin was hauled in during the January transfer window, but the French striker is yet to show any signs of becoming a key player at Elland Road, making just three cameos to date.
Bamford, who last played in the Premier League for Burnley during the 2016/2017 season, will be eager to return to England’s top flight, but has the former Chelsea man done enough to continue to lead the line for The Whites?
Starting 95% of Leeds’ Championship games, Bamford has had plenty of opportunities to impress Bielsa and further the Argentine’s trust in him.
However, question marks over his consistency have emerged, going the whole month of February without scoring a single league goal.
13 goals in the league this term has of course, helped Leeds to sit top of the league, but an absence of three years away from the Premier League and that inconsistency shown, could see him lose his place.
The £5.85m-valued ace has a current contract at Elland Road until 2023 and due to his hard work and commitment this term, he will undoubtedly feature next term for the club, but it is highly unlikely that he will start 95% of games again.
Going one month (February) without a goal, simply cannot happen in the Premier League. Therefore, Bielsa may well look for a new first choice striking option to spearhead the team in the top flight, should they get there of course.
Do you think Patrick Bamford has done enough to gain a chance in the Premier League next season? Let us know in the comments section below…
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