Sam Byram has issued a farewell message via social media following his move from Leeds United to Middlesbrough

Sam Byram has lauded his second Leeds United spell as the “best and most enjoyable” period of his career.

The 32-year-old was nurtured within the Leeds academy and went on to become a key figure for the Whites at first-team level.

He emerged on the scene during a chapter marred by off-field turbulence and was sold to West Ham United against the wishes of fans in January 2016.

Byram returned to Elland Road on trial in the summer of 2023, eventually landing a contract and helping the club clinch the Championship title in 2025.

Sam Byram has left Leeds United after a three-year spell back at Elland Road. | Tony Johnson

placeholder image — Sam Byram has left Leeds United after a three-year spell back at Elland Road. | Tony Johnson

Sam Byram bids farewell

Following his free transfer switch to Middlesbrough, Byram has issued a poignant farewell statement via his Instagram account.

He said: “My chapter at Leeds comes to and end. To all the fans, thank you for welcoming me back and making me feel at home from the very first day.

“Thank you for the passion, the loyalty and the support week after week. To represent you and to wear this shirt was always a dream of mine, but to play for this club over 200 times has been an honour and something I’m incredibly proud of.

“A special thankyou to the to the manager and his staff. Without them taking a chance on me I know I would not have had the opportunity to come back and experience the last three amazing seasons. What a journey it’s been… starting out on trial, losing the play-off final, and then going on to be promoted back to the Premier League as champions the following year.

“I can honestly say it’s been the best and most enjoyable three years of my career so far. An incredible group of players and staff that I’m truly grateful to have been a part of, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Sam Byram barely featured in his final season at Leeds United and has now linked up with Middlesbrough. | George Wood/Getty Images

“It’s now time for me to watch on as a fan, but I wish nothing but success for the upcoming season and beyond for everyone involved with the club. Leeds really is a special place, and I feel to lucky to have been a small part of it.”

Byram has been reunited with his former Leeds teammate Luke Ayling at the Riverside, adding even more experience to Kim Hellberg’s backline.

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