Leeds United transfer news as Sam Byram decision likely this week
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has said that a decision on whether the Whites will sign free-agent Sam Byram will be made this week, as shared by Leeds Live.
Byram has been training with the Whites this summer having been released by Norwich City at the end of last season and impressed at left-back during Leeds’ pre-season win over Hearts.
Farke is likely to be without Junior Firpo as one of his left-back options, with the Dominican Republic international picking up an injury in pre-season, leaving Byram as a possible replacement.
Discussing whether the 29-year-old may be offered a deal, Farke was quoted by Leeds Live saying: “We’ve not discussed it so far, but we know what we’ve got. Sam has shown great attitude, experienced player, homegrown player, free agent, so then I don’t find many, many arguments against them.
“So it’s not a big, big topic and not a big issue, but we’re all happy that he’s gone through this pre-season without any injuries and also, need to listen also bit to what he thinks and what he wants and then we’ll come to a conclusion I think over the next week.”
No brainer
Leeds United are a bit short of bodies in defence, especially as the Elland Road exodus continues this summer, with departures seemingly never stopping in this transfer window and Byram offers a level of safety few signings can match.
The defender already has over 150 Championship appearances under his belt and played under Farke in both the Championship and the Premier League while at Norwich, where both the player and the manager experienced plenty of success.
While he doesn’t represent the sort of signing that will get pulses racing at Elland Road, he will offer plenty of cover and competence in defence that cannot be undervalued as Leeds look to bounce back to the top-flight.
So far this summer, the Whites’ incoming business has been very astute, picking up the versatile Ethan Ampadu and the bargain signing of Karl Darlow and Byram has the potential to be a similar shrewd acquisition.
Whether or not he signs professional terms at Elland Road, he has impressed in pre-season and will have no problem finding a new club, whether at Leeds United or elsewhere.
In other Leeds United news, Junior Firpo’s Elland Road exit has taken another twist in recent days