According to Graham Smyth in a post-match interview with Daniel Farke, Leeds United are set to decide on the signing of Sam Byram on a free transfer over the next week. The German described the free agent as having had “some really good performances” in his time back at Thorp Arch, with many fans seeing the signing as a “no brainer” after an impressive pre-season.
Leeds United Set to Make Major Sam Byram Decision
How Has Pre-Season Been for Sam Byram?
At the beginning of pre-season, fans were somewhat surprised to see former Whites full-back Sam Byram training with the squad at Thorp Arch. He left Leeds in something of a complex situation under poor ownership, so he wasn’t on the best of terms with supporters at the time. Despite this, the Englishman returned to Elland Road and joined up with the former manager from his days at Norwich City for what was reportedly pre-season training to boost his fitness.
Following this initial period of fitness retention, Byram has been one of the more impressive parts of the Leeds United squad. Due to his knowledge of the German’s tactics, he has slipped right into the side, adding both attacking versatility and defensive solidity to a squad that seemed relatively weak at the very start of the window. These impressive performances have put him in contention for a contract at Leeds.
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Do Leeds United Need Sam Byram
At the moment, the arguments for signing the full-back vastly outweigh those for letting him continue as a free agent. His impressive performances throughout pre-season have demonstrated that he can fulfil the left-back role (where the Whites are missing a significant amount of depth) and he’d be joining without the side having to pay a fee. Financially the move works, and it’s been proven to be somewhat successful on the pitch too.
Returning to Elland Road also allows Byram to complete his story in a Leeds kit. His previous stint at the club saw him leave under something of a cloud, but returning when the club are in desperate need of a player in his position could be a redeeming factor in the eyes of supporters. Outside the football itself, it would be ideal to see him return to his former club with the best of intentions.
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Leeds United Transfer News
The news coming out of Elland Road has been somewhat quiet following the signing of Karl Darlow as a goalkeeper. With many players having left the clubs fans might be hopeful for a little more movement in the market to expand the squad, but it’s yet to come. One of the key areas for concern is at centre-forward, with both Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter having to come off during the friendly against Hearts.
Farke and his team are running out of time to prepare for the season opener against Cardiff at Elland Road, with all eyes on whether the Whites look ready for promotion.
Image courtesy of Joe Blackburn, licensed to Sports Events Guide.
