Leeds United can confirm defender Sam Byram has left the club after the expiration of his Elland Road contract and joined Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough.

A popular member of the squad both on and off the pitch, Byram came through the academy and has represented the club with distinction during two different spells.

Having progressed through the age groups at Thorp Arch, Byram made his debut for his boyhood club in August 2012, becoming a regular in the first team from then on.

That season, he won both the Goal of the Year and Player of the Year awards following a stellar debut campaign at Elland Road.

After stints with West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Norwich City, the versatile defender returned to West Yorkshire in 2023, making 37 appearances across the 2023/24 campaign.

The following season, Byram continued to play an important role in Daniel Farke’s side, featuring 39 times and netting a memorable volley against Luton Town on the way to helping the Whites to a club record 100 points and the Sky Bet Championship title.

Last campaign, Sam’s invaluable experience and Side Before Self spirit has had a real impact in the dressing room, helping United to an impressive mid-table finish on their return to the Premier League.

Behind the scenes, the 32-year-old has never forgotten his roots, taking part in several initiatives with the Leeds United Foundation and maintaining incredibly close ties with the local community.

Across two spells, the full-back has made 224 appearances for Leeds United, scoring 13 goals, won the Goal of the Year and Player of the Year accolades and lifted the Sky Bet Championship trophy, before helping to Whites to achieve Premier League safety with games to spare last season.

Everyone at Leeds United is proud to call Sam one of our own and we wish him nothing but the best for his future career, whilst thanking him for his effort, dedication and professionalism whilst representing the club.

There’s only one Sammy Byram.