Manager Uwe Rosler confirmed on numerous occasions that the club had not received any bids for Sam Byram and that he wasn't for sale. But, every player has a price. Byram looked brilliant on the opening day against Burnley in his newly advanced position. Running at defenders with pace and trickery, linking up well with his team-mates...it all seemed to be piecing together.
Ever since then, he hasn't looked his regular self on the pitch. Performances did drop and for a player like him, that is very unusual. With the recruitment of Jordan Botaka, Byram will have to increase his performance level if he wants to keep his place in the side. Also with Berardi looking like a changed man, it'd be wrong to see Byram be dropped back into his old position.
Rosler did express his concern in his pre-match press conference today over Sam Byram. He said he and his performances were affected by the speculation surrounding his future. Which is understandable as he is still a young lad and with less than a year on his contract, I'm sure a move away has crossed his mind. Leeds did offer Byram a new deal in January only to see it being rejected. There were reports that Cellino had offered him a lower wage to what he is currently on.
This past week, the staff have been able to assess the players after the international break and Rosler thinks the pressure has been lifted from Sam's shoulders after the window had closed. More importantly, he thought Byram looked happier in training. One thing is for sure; we need to offer Byram an improved deal to what he is currently on. A player with his ability shouldn't be taken for granted at Leeds - now let's hope his performances pick up once more and Leeds can continue their good form.
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