Leeds United signed seven new faces to strengthen their squad last summer, but the club also moved on several players to balance it out.
Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow and Max Wober left the club on free transfers, even though Leeds offered Darlow a new deal to stay at Elland Road this season.
Leeds also accepted loan offers for several of their unwanted players, and a clutch of personnel exited the club towards the end of the window as part of the squad overhaul.
However, Leeds wanted to keep a couple of experienced players, and one of them rejected an offer to stay and play more football this season.
Read More: Why £15m Leeds ace is now a big selection headache for Daniel Farke
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink reacts to ex-Leeds star’s Championship move
Leeds offered Sam Byram a new contract to stay at Elland Road. However, the Leeds promotion hero decided to move on after spending a season as a bit-part player.
He wanted to play more football, and the defender joined Championship side Middlesbrough on a free transfer in the summer window.
Former Leed star Hasselbaink, who also played for Middlesbrough, believes the Championship club made a smart decision to sign Byram on a free transfer.
He believes if Boro can keep the defender fit, his experience will come in handy and Byram could play an important part in getting them promoted this season.
Hasselbaink told The Yorkshire Post: “You can see it already: the experience he has brought. It’s a big signing for them, and a smart one, for sure.
“They just have to keep him on the pitch, because he has had injuries in the past. They have to keep him on the pitch, and he can help them get promoted. Middlesbrough have to go up this year.”
Byram can be part of another promotion-winning team
Sam Byram’s return to Leeds didn’t quite finish the way he wanted, but there were plenty of good moments during his second spell at Elland Road.
The academy graduate returned in 2023 and became a dependable option for Daniel Farke, making 37 appearances in his first season back before playing a key role in Leeds’ Championship title-winning campaign the following year.
His ability to play on either side and his experience of promotion battles made him a useful player to have around the squad.
His final season was more difficult, with injuries and competition for places limiting him to just five appearances.
Now at Middlesbrough, Byram has another chance to show what he can offer. Boro have ambitions of returning to the Premier League, and his experience of winning promotion with Leeds could prove invaluable during the pressure of a long Championship campaign.
If he can stay fit, Byram could play a big part in their promotion push.
