Leeds United are preparing to strengthen their squad in the summer window as they look to build on their 14th-place finish in their first season back in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke has asked for more ambition from the board as the manager pushes to take the squad to the next level with smart recruitment over the next couple of months.
However, Leeds must also contend with the Premier League’s new Squad Cost Ratio regulations, which will place tighter restrictions on spending and reduce the club’s financial flexibility in the transfer market.
Paraag Marathe has insisted Leeds are looking to bring in ‘difference-makers’ this summer. However, one contract decision could have laid bare the truth of the club’s transfer policy.
Read More: Leeds United issue Karl Darlow statement amid Manchester United links
A new deal for Sam Byram should be a cause for concern
When Sam Byram came on as his substitute against Brighton, it seemed clear that it would be his last appearance at Elland Road.
The defender was expected to leave as his current deal expires this summer, and there was no expectation that he would be offered a new deal.
However, Leeds have revealed that the club are in talks over a new contract with the academy product to keep him at Elland Road beyond the end of his current deal.
The decision is baffling in many ways, as Byram hardly played any football last season and was nothing more than a fringe player in the first-team squad.
However, the new contract reveals a more concerning issue that should really worry Leeds fans ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 49ers’ concerning transfer message
Farke definitely had a say in Leeds offering a new deal to Sam Byram, but it seems baffling as he hardly played the defender last season.
However, it becomes more reasonable if he received a concerning transfer message from the club hierarchy.
James Justin’s quality and versatility ensured Leeds didn’t feel the pinch when either Jayden Bogle or Gabriel Gudmundsson was not available to play.
He deputised in both full-back positions and even played in central defence when Farke needed him. However, it was clear that Leeds needed a proper full-back cover this summer.
But it seems Leeds may not be able to stretch their budget to bring in a new full-back in the upcoming transfer window.
It makes sense if Farke decided to try and hold on to Byram if he was told that a new full-back would not be signed this summer.
What s load rubbish. Sam counts as an academy player English as well as a capable back up to either full back position.
It makes sense to try and keep him on the books. It doesn’t represent for a minute the state of our transfer options or financial state.
Need a least 4 upgrades
Full backs aren’t a priority