Patrick Bamford has revealed that he had the chance to move to La Liga and go on loan to David Moyes’ Real Sociedad in the summer, but eventually turned it down in favour of moving to an English club, which he eventually
managed when he moved to Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal.
However, it could all have been very different had he taken David Moyes up on his offer and moved to continental Europe.
Quoted by the Daily Mail, Bamford said: “I was quite keen on the idea (joining Real Sociedad) when I first heard about it”
“But I spoke to my dad and my agent and realised it was crucial to stay in the Premier League.”
“The thought of playing in Spain did whet my appetite – playing in a new country and everything that comes with it. But now I think about it, it’s good that I stayed here.”
“It’s the best league in the world and you need to establish yourself here before you go anywhere else.”
“It toughens you up compared to Under 21 and youth football,” he says. “It’s a lot different, a lot more physical and the tempo is quicker. Those spells on loan stand me in good stead.”
“[Alan Pardew] told me I wouldn’t be starting every game at Palace but that I’d get a fair crack of the whip.”
“It’s down to me. I believe in myself and believe when I do get a chance I’ll be able to keep my place in the team.”
Bamford has garnered critical acclaim during various loan spells away from Chelsea in the past couple of years, including success at MK Dons, Middlesbrough and now he’ll be hoping to replicate that in the Premier
League with Crystal Palace, although he’ll be competing with the likes of Connor Wickham for a place in Alan Pardew’s starting line-up.
Bamford scored 17 goals in 40 Championship appearances for Boro last season. He’s already made his Palace debut, as a substitute in the 2-1 loss against Arsenal.
