Sam Byram has told the official Leeds United podcast of how Daniel Farke approached him to rejoin the club in the summer after becoming a free agent – and explains how “a few clubs” were interested.
Byram, 30, rejoined Leeds in the summer on a free – seven and a half years after leaving Elland Road to join West Ham. Injuries have meant that Byram only managed 98 games between spells at Leeds.
The full-back has proven his fitness at Leeds and has now returned to become a key player, considered first choice on the left side of the defence – with Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas both on the sidelines.
Indeed, Byram has played 90 minutes four times in a row – proving he is over injuries to a considerable degree. The defender spoke of how the move came about, the risk, and other clubs that were keen.
“Definitely no guarantee. I’d come off the back of not the best injury situation at Norwich, a free agent. Few clubs interested, couple of options abroad. I’d done a lot of fitness and extra training in the summer.
“I was in a good position. I got a message off the boss and his staff, ‘you’re a free agent, we know you know the club, you want to train with us’. Chance of re-signing outweighed any risk. Pure excitement.”
Byram on how Farke approached him to rejoin Leeds United
It comes as a pleasant surprise, does Byram’s success at this early stage in the season. He has been a revelation, even despite playing on his weaker side. He even scored in a 3-0 home win over Watford.
In terms of summer signings, Byram is up there with the best ones – alongside Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Joel Piroe. Glen Kamara is just making his mark on the team. Hopefully, he can remain fit.
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