Barnsley, Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United-linked man makes surprise move after Sheffield Wednesday exit

The 28-year-old was a popular figure at Hillsborough and although he slipped down the pecking order under Danny Rohl, there was sadness when he departed S6 for good.

He had ended the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Blackpool and talks were said to have taken place about a return to Bloomfield Road. All three of League One’s Yorkshire clubs - Barnsley, Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United - had also been linked with the former Scotland youth international.

However, he has instead moved to League Two for a reunion with his former Wednesday boss Darren Moore. After luring Byers to Vale Park, Moore said: “George is a player who I know really well from my time at Sheffield Wednesday.

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"His energy, drive and quality on the ball will be attributes that are appreciated by our supporters. We have met with George a few times over the last couple of weeks and although there has been strong interest at levels above League Two, he has quickly bought into the wider project that is ongoing here at Vale Park and what we are trying to build.

“Positive competition in all positions is vital and George will come in and add even stronger competition for places amongst our already-competitive midfield options. I am really looking forward to welcoming George into our squad as we continue to build towards next season and beyond.”