Sam Byram has told the Official Leeds United podcast that a Leeds fan was shouting at him during the pre-season win over Hearts, that “nobody else wants you” – while he was warming up at Tynecastle.
Byram joined Leeds in the summer – seven and a half years after leaving the Whites in January 2016. The 30-year-old had to prove his fitness in the summer, and has now become a key player for Leeds.
Ethan Ampadu has been superb for £7m, Joel Piroe has scored five goals in eight games for Leeds. joe Rodon has helped Leeds shore up what was a leaky defence. Glen Kamara has come into the side.
But in terms of value for money, Byram has easily been our best signing of the summer. Costing nothing, he has been excellent – solving what is a long-standing issue for Leeds on the left side of the defence.
However, there was trepidation when Byram signed for Leeds. His injury record has been dismal over the last few years. Byram shares how a Leeds fan taunted him during the 1-0 win over Hearts in July.
“When we played Hearts away, I was warming up behind the goal. One of the Leeds fans kept shouting, ‘Byram, you’re only here because nobody else wants you’. I kept thinking, pretend you can’t hear them’.
“I didn’t expect every fan to understand it, but most people have been positive and glad that I’m back,” Byram said, when discussing the fan reaction to his arrival at Elland Road on the Leeds United podcast.
Leeds fan shouted at Byram during win over Hearts in pre-season
That Leeds fan could not be more wrong. Right now, every Championship club would want Byram if they had the choice – judging by his performances in a Leeds shirt. Even scoring, in a 3-0 win over Watford.
Versatile, passionate, and affecting both boxes. On Saturday, he cleared one off the line before making a wonderful block towards the end of the match. He will be key if Leeds are to launch a promotion push.
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