Patrick Bamford signs new five-year deal at Leeds and aims to push Marcelo Bielsa’s boys into Europe
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PATRICK BAMFORD has his sights set on Europe after signing a new five-year deal at Leeds.
The striker, 27, was attracting interest from Tottenham but has committed to Elland Road until the summer of 2026.
Bamford scored 17 goals last season in the Whites’ return to the top-flight after a 16-year absence.
In total he has netted 43 times in 111 games since arriving from Middlesbrough in 2018 for £10million.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side finished ninth last season, and Bamford is targeting a first European finish since 2003.
He said: “Ultimately, Leeds have got to be aiming to get back into Europe.
“I remember the days when they were and they were a team everyone was frightened of.
“That has got to be the ultimate aim and it’s something that will keep pushing us on.
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“You’ve always got to be looking towards something because if you think you’ve reached your goal then you will go downhill, so you’ve always got to be chasing something.
“The club as one is showing massive ambition.”
On penning the new contract, he added: “There have not been many times in my career that I’ve been as settled as I am now so it was important to get this tied and concentrate on the season ahead.
“It started off a little bit sticky because I had an injury and I don’t think I quite clicked with the fans straight away.
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“But once I got into it and settled I think I've improved no end under Marcelo.
“I think I’ve struck up that rapport with the fans now and am enjoying every minute of it.”
And Bielsa said: "Bamford is a very important player for us and he's one of the best strikers that English football has."
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