Last Word on Football understands from sources that Sam Byram is set to be announced as a permanent signing at Leeds United “imminently”. The defender was spotted at Elland Road with a close family member and is expected to complete media obligations as a new signing, with Daniel Farke previously describing him as a “top player”.
Sam Byram Set to Sign for Leeds United as a Free Agent
Major Leeds United Transfer News Update
According to sources and eyewitnesses outside Elland Road, full-back Sam Byram is on the verge of signing a contract with the club. This follows a mostly successful loan spell in which the full-back racked up multiple friendly appearances and impressed the fans with his dynamism and creativity.
His reunion with Daniel Farke may also see the transition to a new tactical system for Leeds be much simpler. Byram played under the German at Norwich City, and the system’s focus on full-backs that invert whilst still playing aggressively could be a complex transition for a complete outsider to make in the few weeks remaining of the window.
Watch: Leeds United Season Preview
Why Leeds United Need Sam Byram
One of the biggest issues for the Whites of late has been the lack of a reliable left-back option. Options currently at the club include Junior Firpo, who appears to be perpetually injured, and Leo Hjelde, who if effectively a centre-back converted into the wide positions.
Whilst Byram himself isn’t a dedicated left-back, he has a wealth of experience playing on both flanks. This makes him one of the better options for the Whites, in addition to having a minimal impact on the club’s financial limitations under Profit and Sustainability rules. He is currently a free agent, making costs as low as feasibly possible.
Read More: Leeds United in Constant Tug-of-War Over Transfers
Remaining Transfer Business
There is plenty of business that could be done in the coming weeks at Elland Road, in part due to player availability being relatively poor. Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph are all currently injured for the start of the season, causing fans to look for an incoming centre forward.
Aside from hunting for a striker, the Whites may simply be lacking some depth throughout the squad. A swathe of defenders left Thorp Arch within the past few weeks with Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Max Wober all leaving on loan. The Championship is an extremely long and draining competition, so adding this much-needed quality and depth will be essential to a title push.
Image courtesy of Joe Blackburn, licensed to Last Word on Sports.
