A former striker for Leeds and Chelsea is close to signing a free agent contract with La Liga

Patrick Bamford is getting closer to the Getafe move.

Patrick Bamford, a former attacker for Chelsea and Leeds United, is almost certain to sign a contract to join La Liga. After months of uncertainty following his departure from Elland Road, Football Espana reports that the 32-year-old is expected to join Getafe. Despite Getafe's financial limitations, efforts have been made to sign Bamford, who has been without a club since the summer.

Bamford is "very close" to joining Getafe on a free transfer, according to Matteo Moretto. He continues by saying that Bamford is getting ready to board a plane to Madrid and that Getafe and his agency intend to finalize the terms of the agreement today.

Leeds United career

Bamford’s stay in Yorkshire was dramatic and enduring. After growing up at Chelsea's academy, he finally found his footballing home at Leeds when he joined from Middlesbrough in 2018 for €7.9 million. As Leeds alternated between Championship and Premier League seasons, he emerged as a key player. His importance to the team was highlighted by his 205 appearances, which included 60 goals and 25 assists.

"As the team has fluctuated between the Championship and Premier League, Hamford has been a pillar of support."

Jose Bordalas's options

Christantus Uche left for Crystal Palace on the day of the deadline, causing problems for Getafe up front. Jose Bordalas has historically been skilled at optimizing performance from seasoned forwards, and Bamford fits that template. With Juanmi frequently filling in at center-forward and Borja Mayoral as the main option, Bamford provides a much-needed alternative.

"Getafe manager Jose Bordalas has a history of getting plenty out of veteran forwards if he can get them fit and firing."

Madrid Waits

Adrian Liso, Getafe's top scorer, is scheduled to go for the Under-20 World Cup, creating a void in the attack's core. This chance is a late-career challenge for Bamford in Spain. For Getafe, it might prove a shrewd short-term boost.

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Football fans are both excited and skeptical about this news. Although Bamford has served Leeds faithfully, some supporters believe his prime is long gone. Many people believe that moving to La Liga at age 32, following injury issues and patchy play, is risky for the player and the team.

Supporters of Getafe, though, may be subtly hopeful. They require depth because Adrian Liso is absent and Christantus Uche is no longer there. Bamford, at his best, can hold the ball up, link play and convert half-chances. Whether he still has the mental acuity to adjust to Spanish football is the question.

Although most Leeds supporters will agree that he needed a fresh challenge, others may be unhappy that he chose to transfer overseas rather than play football in England again. The opportunity to put himself to the test against La Liga defenders might give him the motivation he needs.

It's a risk worth taking for Getafe. Bamford might be crucial to their efforts to avoid trouble if he can find rhythm. Otherwise, it will serve as yet another reminder of the dangers of depending too much on seasoned forwards.