It came as a surprise in the summer when Sam Byram was involved in Leeds United’s pre-season games, and even more so when he signed a one-year deal. That contract is now, coming to an end.
The 30-year-old sparkled for Leeds during the first half of the season. Playing on the left side of a back four, Daniel Farke even suggested he was the best left-back in the entire Championship at the moment.
But, Junior Firpo returned to the bench during the 1-0 win at Leicester and has since won his place back in the XI ahead of Byram, starting 10 league games in a row. Byram has been watching from the bench.
That one-year deal is now due to expire in three months, and Byram’s long-term future – like plenty of other Leeds players – is up in the air. He has said that he would love to sign a new deal at Elland Road.
To prolong his second spell with the club. But, warming the bench is hardly going to tempt the Leeds hierarchy to sign off on a new deal – especially, with Byram now in his thirties. He needs to be playing.
Sam Byram could have last chance at Leeds deal on Tuesday
With just 11 games left to play, and potentially 14 if we finish in the play-offs, chances are becoming limited for Byram. But, Byram might have just been given a chance – with Firpo potentially unavailable.
Indeed, Farke confirmed in Monday’s press conference that Firpo could be missing due to a calf issue picked up last time out – in the 1-1 draw against Huddersfield. Byram is the obvious man to come in.
A late call will be made on Firpo, but Farke stressed he would not make any long-term risks. So, with Byram likely to come in – Tuesday could be the last chance he gets to prove he deserves a new deal.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
