Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Thu 14 May 2026 15:10, UK

Leeds United surely won’t be looking to keep Sam Byram at Elland Road beyond the 2026-26 campaign.

Even the veteran defender may have his eyes on a move away from the Whites once his deal expires in June after struggling for game time under Daniel Farke.

Byram’s contract at Elland Road is about to conclude at the end of the season and it would be surprising to see him continue his adventure in LS11 after the West Yorkshire outfit confirmed Premier League safety.

The 32-year-old Englishman signed for the Peacocks in the summer of 2023, but a return to the Championship could potentially be on the cards and he surely looks destined for it.

Farke has hardly used Byram since winning promotion to the English top-flight, and it may be best for both parties if the defender looks for pastures new.

Sam Byram has proven Championship pedigree at Leeds United

Byram still clearly has a few years left in the game and the versatile full-back would undoubtedly be a valuable addition to any Championship club.

In the previous campaign, the Englishman often deputised for Junior Firpo at left-back, scoring one goal, providing one assist and creating five big opportunities in 36 league appearances, as per Sofascore.

Byram kept six clean sheets and averaged 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game, with an 83 per cent passing accuracy.

The defender also got the better of his opponents in the majority of his duels, with a 55 per cent success rate, and often came out on top in ground duels, winning an average of 1.3 per game.

While Byram’s Premier League experience may entice a newly promoted team, clubs looking to win promotion next season will surely have an eye on him as well.

Daniel Farke has obvious Elland Road transfer priority

Farke will surely need to bolster his backline in the summer, with Leeds clearly lacking depth in that department.

A new centre-back and left-back should be high on the West Yorkshire outfit’s agenda in the upcoming transfer window, especially with Byram probably on his way out.

Daniel James had to deputise at right-wing-back for the Whites against Tottenham Hotspur away from home in the 1-1 draw due to Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson’s absence, and the German manager won’t want to be left in a similar position next season.

If the Peacocks have any ambitions of making progress in the Premier League, they will look to make quality additions to their squad in the coming months.