‘Fight for this team’ – Leeds United man commits to another year in the Championship

Fighting to get Leeds United back where they belong is Sam Byram’s promise after confirming his contract extension at Elland Road. The Whites released their retained list on Friday and the 30-year-old topped the list with news of the extra year in West Yorkshire.

Taking to Instagram after the news of his extension, Byram said: “Absolutely delighted to extend my stay here for another year. I can’t wait to fight for this team again to help get the club back where we belong. See you all soon.”

Byram returned to Leeds last summer as a free agent. Given how little football he has played in the past seven years, there was some trepidation when he played as a three-man in Monaco’s friendly at York City.

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After years of injuries at United’s left-back position, the idea of ​​Daniel Farke then taking on someone in that role with such an appalling medical record was worrying. However, Byram impressed in the pre-season, signed a one-year contract on the eve of the new season and exceeded many expectations.

Byram started 16 of the first 20 league games last season and was right up there as one of Farke’s most reliable players. Unfortunately, injuries would rear their heads from December, but he eventually finished the year with 33 league outings, triggering a one-year extension in the process.

Inexperience was cited as one of the problems Farke saw in last season’s team. In keeping Byram, the manager kept one of the few 30-year-olds on last year’s roster.

Karl Darlow remains the oldest player on the books, but the exits of Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas, along with the doubt surrounding Liam Cooper, means Byram could be the second-oldest boss from July 1. It remains to be seen what additional experience Farke is after. transfer window, but the defender will be a wise voice in the dressing room next season.