The young striker’s fate was all but sealed when he wasn’t included in Chelsea’s pre-season squad whom today landed in Montreal. The 21 year old has remained at Cobham training alongside the likes of Jeremie Boga and Nathan Ake in Chelsea’s ‘loan squad’. Coached by Eddie Newton and Paulo Ferreira, the players will train together as they seek their respective loan moves for the next campaign.
Despite many fans expecting Bamford to go out on loan again, some may thought that with rumours of an exit for Loic Remy, Mourinho may want to one final look at Bamford over in America before deciding on his future. However, Remy joins Solanke and Diego Costa in the squad, who will both be joined by new signing Radamel Falcao at a later date.
Bamford is very much a wanted man, with a host of clubs chasing the services of the young forward. Both Championship and Premier League sides have expressed an interest in Bamford according to news reports. For me, the natural progression in his blossoming career has to be a loan in the Premier League, in particular, one of two possible teams.
He has served his time in the Championship, reaching the play-off final and winning the player of the year award, there is not much more he has to prove at that level. From here, he is about to face the biggest challenge of his career, maintaining his great scoring record in the Premier League. Personally, I believe there are two clubs that are seemingly a perfect fit for him.
Firstly, Aston Villa. It is looking ever more likely that Christian Benteke is set to leave Aston Villa this summer, who looks to be Liverpool bound. Tim Sherwood has built up an impressive reputation of giving youngsters a chance in the first team.
Should Benteke leave Villa, the club will be in search of a new striker and have been linked with a move for Bamford in the past. A move to Villa would hand Bamford an opportunity to play consistent first team football in the Premier League, as well as this he would have to cope with the pressure of replacing Christian Benteke, who has been a figure head of the club over recent seasons.
Playing under pressure is something Bamford will have to endeavour should he want to succeed at Chelsea. To back up Sherwood’s reputation of giving youngsters a chance, he has also done well with the strikers he has had at his disposal. The likes of Adebayour and Benteke have both flourished under Sherwood.
The second option that could really benefit Bamford, could be newly promoted Norwich. Alex Neil’s side have been linked with a move for Bamford as they look to strengthen their attacking areas.
Norwich secured promotion via the play offs, ironically beating Bamford’s Middlesbrough. The Canaries came up to the Premier League in style, playing great attacking football in the latter stages of the season.
Both clubs offer Bamford the chance to play regular first team football in the Premier League, both under two managers who try to play attacking football as well as giving youngsters a chance. The 2015-16 campaign looks likely to be a crucial one for Bamford, he may be held in high regard at Stamford Bridge, he now must continue to show his development and continue to do what he does so naturally, score goals.
The 21 year old scored 17 league goals last season for Aitor Karanka’s side, he has a great opportunity to use either, or another Premier League side as a stepping stone on his rise to the top. By using the phrase ‘stepping stone’ that is no disrespect to any side, but proving himself in any Premier League side will not go unnoticed, by either Chelsea or other Premier League clubs.
Do you agree? Do either of these clubs give Bamford the platform to shine? Let us know where you think he should apply his trade this upcoming season.
