As I write, Patrick Bamford has lashed in another goal for Derby, taking his tally for the season to 21 goals. I think you’ll all agree that’s a pretty good record for a player who has applied his trade to multiple clubs this season. Now then…
With the Chelsea striker conundrum rumbling acrimoniously in the background, the question remains as to what to do with Bamford next season. The lad is only 20 years old and far from his prime but he’s a real talent for the future. As a club, we don’t often give home grown youth enough of a chance [Kakuta, McEachran etc.] and I’d love to see what Bamford could do at the top level. For next season, there are a few options…
1. Put him in the squad for next season. A big gamble and it could be detrimental to his development, particularly if he spends most of it on the bench. He could act as a good reserve striker for whomever we buy in the summer [on the presumption we do] but, with Lukaku coming back and Torres hanging around, I personally don’t think this first one is a good idea yet…
2. Take him to pre-season, give him the sort of exposure we gave Lukaku last year and then look for a Premier League loan spot. I’m sure plenty of teams would happily take him onboard and he needs PL experience to develop his game. If he really is the future of Chelsea, we need to protect and supply him carefully. Look for good, attacking teams i.e. Everton, Southampton. He could do damage there.
3. Loan him back to Derby for another season or abroad. He’s established at Derby and they love him. I’m sure he’d keep banging in the goals for them. Abroad is a fascinating proposition and its worked before. But who would have him?
4. In typical Blue style, sell him for a pathetically small fee that isn’t even in the same stratosphere as his ability, watch as he matures into a world class, and bargain value, striker and then feel the wrath as he bangs in a hat-trick against us for someone terrible like Tottenham. This one is not an option that I want to be explored.
Four ideas of mine but this one is up for debate. Please comment and let me know what you think!
Up the Blues!
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