Leeds United have a few issues to sort out in their squad in the ongoing summer transfer window as they seek to improve on last season’s 14th-place finish in the Premier League.
The Whites still do not have any clarity over the future of Pascal Struijk, who has a year left on his contract, and is considering his long-term future at the club this summer,
Leeds are also not aware whether Karl Darlow will sign a new contract or leave on a free transfer amid interest from their most hated rivals, Manchester United.
Illan Meslier has departed the club following the expiry of his contract, but many were surprised when Leeds revealed they are in discussions with Sam Byram over a new deal.
And even Yorkshire Evening Post journalist and Leeds insider Graham Smyth was stunned.
Graham Smyth reacts to Leeds offering a new deal to Sam Byram
When Sam Byram came on in the final moments of Leeds’ home win over Brighton last month, it seemed Daniel Farke was giving Elland Road a chance to applaud the final appearance of the defender.
He was largely expected to be allowed to leave on a free transfer this summer. However, Leeds are now in talks to offer him an extension.
Graham Smyth has conceded that he didn’t expect Byram’s name on the list of players the club are in negotiations over a new contract when they issued a statement.
However, the journalist admitted that his experience and presence in the dressing room and his Leeds roots could be the reasons Farke wants to keep him around.
Smyth said on the Insider Leeds United podcast: “I did not expect to see Byram’s name as one of the players Leeds are discussing their future with.
“He is a homegrown player, which ticks a box. He is a player that Daniel Farke loves, which ticks a box.
“He is a leader, a consummate professional, he knows the dressing room and what they want, and he knows Leeds inside out.
“He brings something to the table.”
Leeds may not sign a full-back this summer
Daniel Farke will almost certainly have played a role in the decision to offer Sam Byram a new contract, although it initially appears a surprising one given how little the defender featured last season.
The move starts to make more sense, however, if Farke has been given indications that Leeds may not have the budget or the flexibility to strengthen at full-back this summer.
James Justin’s versatility proved invaluable last season. His ability to cover both full-back positions, as well as fill in at centre-back when required, meant Leeds were rarely left exposed when either Jayden Bogle or Gabriel Gudmundsson was unavailable.
Even so, it was clear throughout the campaign that the squad could have benefited from another specialist full-back. The expectation was that Leeds would look to address that issue this summer.
If that is no longer the plan, retaining Byram becomes a far more logical decision. Should Farke have been informed that a new full-back is unlikely to arrive, keeping an experienced and dependable squad player such as Byram would provide valuable depth and cover heading into the new season.
