Crystal Palace have confirmed today the signing of Patrick Bamford on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Bamford, who joined Chelsea in 2012 has spent time on loan at MK Dons and Derby, then most recently at Middlesbrough for the entirety of the 2014/15 Championship season.
He had a very impressive season spearheading the Boro attack, scoring 17 times in 40 league appearances. He was named Championship Player of the Year and nominated for the Young Player’s award as well, which went to Dele Alli.
He is not a player who Chelsea will want to lose permanently as he is a very gifted striker – a position in which the Blues don’t have an abundance of players. However, a season in the Premier League with the Eagles could be excellent for both him and Crystal Palace.
Alan Pardew hasn’t hidden the fact that he wants to bring attacking talent to the club this summer, with once-child prodigy Alexandre Pato among the latest to be linked.
Yohan Cabaye has been brought in from European heavyweights PSG and Yannick Bolasie looks to be going nowhere so the squad is looking very strong. Scott Dann has said an eighth-place or higher finish is what the boys are looking for.
If Bamford can score close to his tally from last season, it would certainly help in achieving this objective and propelling Palace into European competition. He is a tall, strong striker who can strike from distance or poach goals inside the box and his pace and agility make him a huge threat on the counter-attack. He offers something a bit different to Glen Murray and his signing is great for the team’s balance and strength in depth.
It could also provide shrewd business for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, as Bamford may notch goals against the Blues’ rivals, which could be crucial with Manchester United and Arsenal both strengthening and Manchester City bringing in some fresh faces too.
