BYRAM COMPLETES WEST HAM SWITCH

BYRAM COMPLETES WEST HAM SWITCH

Full-back exits Elland Road to join the Hammers...

Leeds United can confirm that Sam Byram has joined West Ham United for an undisclosed fee.

Sam leaves with the club’s best wishes and appreciation of his efforts during his time at Leeds United.

The 22-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Hammers after turning down an offer to extend his Elland Road stay, with his current Leeds contract set to expire in the summer.

Sam, a graduate of the Thorp Arch Academy, progressed through the ranks to make his first-team debut in 2012, soon establishing himself as a regular fixture in the side.

He featured 53 times in all competitions during his first season as a senior squad member, scoring four goals along the way and earning himself a call-up to the England Under-20s squad for the 2013 World Cup.

But an injury sustained during the closing weeks of the campaign ruled him out of the tournament and had a knock-on effect on his participation the following season, limiting him to 27 appearances in all competitions.

Sam soon became a regular again last term, featuring 39 times and scoring three goals as he was named among the nominees for United’s Player of the Year award – an accolade which he had collected in his debut season.

The current campaign has seen Sam utilised at both full-back and on the right wing, with his recent return to the side leading to him collecting December’s PFA Fans’ Championship Player of the Month award after netting three goals in as many matches over the Christmas period.

Last Tuesday’s defeat at Ipswich Town proved to be Sam’s final game for Leeds, meaning he leaves with a record of 143 appearances for the club and 10 goals in all competitions.

X