Leeds United have multiple contract situations they need to get cleared up before pre-season begins ahead of the new campaign.
Pascal Struijk is entering the final year of his deal at Elland Road. So, if we are unable to agree an extension with the Dutch defender, it would be wise to sell him before he walks away for nothing.
Karl Darlow has also reportedly been the subject of interest from rivals Manchester United. It means the Whites will have to act quickly if they want to keep the Welshman in West Yorkshire.
Leeds United in talks with Sam Byram over a potential new deal
Leeds United have just announced the retained list, revealing they’re in contract negotiations with Darlow over a potential new deal. But, another player they are in talks with is one that will shock supporters.
No one was surprised to see the confirmation from the club that Illan Meslier would be leaving following the expiration of his contract.
Karl Darlow has also reportedly been the subject of interest from rivals Manchester United. It means the Whites will have to act quickly if they want to keep the Welshman in West Yorkshire.
Leeds United in talks with Sam Byram over a potential new deal
Leeds United have just announced the retained list, revealing they’re in contract negotiations with Darlow over a potential new deal. But, another player they are in talks with is one that will shock supporters.
No one was surprised to see the confirmation from the club that Illan Meslier would be leaving following the expiration of his contract.
However, most, if not all supporters expected Sam Byram to follow Meslier out the door this summer. This may not be the case, though. Leeds confirmed that they remain in discussions with the 32-year-old over a new deal.
Alongside Byram, Alex Cairns also remains in negotiations with the club over a new deal. That would seem sensible given the much-needed goalkeeping depth Cairns adds to the squad.
Byram featured incredibly rarely this season, playing a total of just 18 Premier League minutes (Sofascore). So, it does not appear to make sense to offer the full-back a new deal.
When Byram came on to make a cameo appearance against Brighton, many thought Daniel Farke was giving the defender the chance to wave goodbye to the Elland Road crowd one final time. Now, this may not be the case.
Sam Byram cannot be relied upon as cover next season
If Byram does agree fresh terms with United, it must be clear that his game time would once again be very limited next season.
Whilst reports suggest that Leeds are looking to recruit a left-back to provide cover and competition for Gabriel Gudmundsson over the summer, this is still an area the 49ers must recruit in this summer, regardless of whether Byram remains at the club or not.
Keeping Byram around to set the standards in training would not necessarily be a bad thing. United seem to have a good dressing room atmosphere at the moment. And, the 49ers may want to keep it together as much as possible.
But if Byram does sign, he will do so knowing he will effectively be a cheerleader again for another season and not someone who is seriously considered by Farke for team selection. He’s essentially the outfield equivalent of a third-choice goalkeeper.
At his age, this would be a baffling decision if he still had any ambition of playing in the twilight stage of his career. As harsh as it sounds, he’s simply not good enough to rely on in the Premier League at this stage.
