'If I can' - Sam Byram drops hint over Leeds United future as ex-Norwich City man's contract nears expiry
Sam Byram drops hint over Leeds United future as his contract nears expiry
Leeds United defender Sam Byram has hinted his time at the club may be coming to an end.
Eyebrows were raised in the summer of 2023, when Byram reported for training at Thorp Arch after Leeds’ appointment of his former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke.
The full-back had started his career with the Whites, growing from an academy prospect into a first-team star and eventually sealing a move to West Ham United in 2016. However, he went on to see his career progress stalled by serious injuries.
Byram was eventually offered a contract at Elland Road and helped the Whites clinch the Championship title last year. He has since found opportunities limited in the Premier League, making just one appearance.
Sam Byram drops hint over Leeds United future
When asked about his future during an appearance on The Official Leeds United Podcast, Byram said: “For me, I still think I've got a few years ahead playing football.
“I'd like to play regularly if I can. It's something off the back of before coming here, I had a lot of years on the sideline with injuries.
“So I think for me to get myself in a position where it's the best I've felt physically, I think that's something I really want to fulfil, play as much as I can.”
Byram’s determination to play regularly would suggest he will not be staying at Elland Road beyond the expiry of his deal this summer.
Competiton for places will only intensify after another summer of recruitment and Byram is already far down the pecking order.
Sam Byram’s ‘whirlwind’ time at Leeds United
If Byram’s association with the Whites does come to an end, he will undoubtedly be able to look back upon his second spell with fondness.
He said: “I think it came around as such a surprise to me, when I came back to the club, obviously starting off almost like on a trial. I'd always hoped that I'd come back here at some point, but it seemed sort of out of the question at the time.
“Then to get the opportunity to come back and be involved with the last few years has just been unbelievable. I think, if you'd have asked me a few years ago, would I be able to envisage this? I could have never guessed in my wildest dreams that I'd have the years back here that I've had.
“So just really grateful to be given the chance to come back and then to be involved with such special moments. It's been a whirlwind really.”