Leeds United signed Sam Byram in the summer on a free transfer and the full-back is playing with the same level of quality that saw him as one of the best in the side last time he was at Elland Road.
Left-back has seldom been a position that Leeds have had plenty of cover and quality in through the past few years, but Sam Byram is helping massively.
Not many held high hopes when he joined on a free after leaving Norwich City, not because of his overall ability, but the injury issues that plagued his time at Carrow Road.
How did Leeds sign Byram?
A free transfer brought about the reunion between Byram and the club that gave him his senior debut over 11 years ago, having left Norwich off the back of struggling for fitness due to a long-standing hamstring issue.
Of course, it’s not just a player-club reunion, but one for Daniel Farke too as he was the man who signed Byram while he was managing the Canaries.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has revealed that a text from one of Farke’s coaching staff that joined with him in the summer was what sparked Byram into a trial period at Thorp Arch, eventually resulting in a one-year deal shortly before the season started:
“It all started with a text from one of Daniel Farke’s coaching team, a speculative message asking what an unattached Byram was up to. That moment of contact has given him a new lease of life and a second bite at something he wanted from Leeds the first time around: promotion to the Premier League with the club who made him.”
Where will Leeds finish in 23/24?
League-winners
Automatic promotion
3rd-6th
Outside the playoffs
It’s the sort of logical, straightforward signing that we have been crying out for, for so long, and it’s amidst some brilliant work throughout the summer.
Every signing looked like a sensible shout that plugged a gap in the squad, and while Byram was something of a risk, he’s been an inspired addition.
It’s hard to say whether he’s been our best player this term, but to see how well he’s done at left-back has been so refreshing.