Daniel Farke claimed last night that Sam Byram is one of Leeds United’s best-ever free transfers in the club’s history as he impressed against Swansea City Wednesday night – so, here is our top five.
5. Patrick Kisnorbo (July 2009, free from Leicester)
Kisnorbo spent three and a half years at Elland Road. He only managed 58 games, but rocking that head band and playing a crucial part in our promotion back to the Championship – Kisnorbo is one of our best.
4. Sam Byram (August 2023, free from Norwich)
The 30-year-old has been superb this season. Putting his injury woes behind him, the player has been excellent – Farke describing him last night as “fantastic”. He is now solving our issues on the left flank.
3. Luciano Becchio (July 2008, free from Merida)
Promotion from League One, 221 games, 86 goals. Becchio was sensational, given he was signed as a bit of a nobody from the depths of Spain. He remains an avid supporter of Leeds, working as an agent.
2. Jermaine Beckford (March 2006, free from Wealdstone)
Sensational. Beckford got us promotion, captained us, scored 85 in 152 and is now an ambassador at the club. Perhaps just edging it over Becchio, Beckford is also remembered for his goal on January 3.
1. Pablo Hernandez (January 2017, free from Al-Arabi)
Hernandez initially joined on loan in 2016, before signing permanently in January 2017. The goal against Swansea, he was the poster boy of Marcelo Bielsa’s era. He played 175 games, 77 goals and assists.
Notable admissions
There is some debate over the internet whether Max Gradel was bought on a free. Stephen Warnock captained us, as was Jonathan Douglas. Matt Smith scored 14 goals in the one season he was at Leeds.
A bit earlier, Paul Butler captained Leeds immediately after we were relegated from the Premier League. Eddie Lewis starred, playing almost 100 times for the Whites. But, Kisnorbo edges it into fifth place.
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