After a series of eye-catching displays at Nottingham Forest’s academy, including five goals and three assists in a 9-1 victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Youth Cup as well as four goals in a 5-1 win over Southampton in the same competition, Chelsea decided to splash out £1.5 million to secure the services of then-teenager Patrick Bamford.
Since Bamford has enjoyed a number of successful loan spells at the likes of League One side MK Dons and Premier League hopefuls Derby County. However this season has seen the England Under-21 International elevate his game to a whole new level at the Riverside Stadium with 17 goals in 30 starts. Such form has seen Middlesbrough, who currently sit fourth, among the favourites for promotion from the SkyBet Championship.
This season’s performances have not only seen Bamford shortlisted for the Football League Young Player of the Year, an award won by Gareth Bale, but have also prompted the Chelsea hierarchy to offer the young star a new contract. Bamford is reportedly earning £7,500 a week at present, but the new contract is said to be a significant improvement in a bid to tie down the classy forward at the Bridge for the foreseeable future.
It is widely expected that Bamford will accept the proposed contract, after receiving assurances from José Mourinho that he will one day get his chance for the first team. It seems the two have established a strong relationship, as revealed by Bamford:‘I have discussed my career path with José on many occasions and I am very happy with it. Everyone’s aim is for me to continue to develop as a player under José’s supervision and to have a long and successful career at Chelsea.’
Indeed, Bamford will be hoping to emulate the figures of a certain Diego Costa in the near future. The stats suggest the 21 year-old (featured in red) is not too far from the Brazilian-born hit-man (featured in blue):
