Leeds United are on the cusp of finalising the arrival of their second most expensive signing once Tarik Muharemovic completes his transfer. However, the club have also confirmed the departures of several players.
Illan Meslier left at the end of his contract this summer and has joined Premier League champions Arsenal in a move that has shocked everyone.
Leeds were hoping to convince Karl Darlow to stay. However, the Welshman agreed to join hated rivals Manchester United, where he will be the understudy to Senne Lammens.
The Whites have also confirmed that Isaac Schmidt has joined Swiss side Young Boys on a permanent deal this summer, and are expected to finalise several other departures before the end of the window.
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Leeds United promotion hero’s future has likely been decided
The Whites are hoping to finalise departures of several fringe players who have no futures at Elland Road under Daniel Farke.
Leeds expect to sell Largie Ramazani, Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe, and a few other players who are not a major part of the club’s plans.
However, Leeds’ decision to offer Sam Byram a new contract at the end of last season was seen as a major surprise by several observers.
He was on the fringes of the first-team squad, and his appearance against Brighton was genuinely seen as a chance for the Elland Road faithful to bid him farewell.
However, it could still turn out to be the last time he played at Elland Road, as there are no updates on whether he has agreed to extend with Leeds.
Leeds have not confirmed his departure despite him being out of contract, but it is to be noted that the club only announced Darlow’s exit once he joined Manchester United.
Another major clue that Byram may have moved on from Leeds is that he is not present in the pre-season images and footage the club have released.
Sam Byram may want to play more football
Leeds’ decision to offer Sam Byram a new deal was a surprise as he hardly played any football in the Premier League last season.
Daniel Farke may have wanted to retain his experience in the dressing room, and the defender remains a thorough professional behind the scenes.
However, at 32, Byram is in the twilight of his career, and he would want to do more than just remain a glorified cheerleader behind the scenes at Elland Road.
He has been linked with a return to Norwich City, and Byram may want to play more football, which the Championship club can offer to him.
