Who is… West Ham’s new whizz kid Sam Byram?
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With the likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Jermain Defoe launching their careers at Upton Park, West Ham is undoubtedly one of the best places for an up-and-coming star to learn the Premier League ropes.
The Hammers have boasted some of the Premier League’s finest young talents down the years, and the east Londoners can add one more to that roster thanks to the arrival of Sam Byram from Leeds United.
The 22-year-old has been one of Leeds’ top performers since making his debut in 2012, and is equally comfortable at right-back or right-wing.
After racking up 53 appearances in his first year with the Whites, Byram joins West Ham having totalled over 140 appearances for United.
Byram has been a near-ever present for the Yorkshire club this term, and a move to a Premier League side has long-been coming.
Southampton had a bid for the Englishman rejected in the summer of 2014, and a host of Premier League sides – including Manchester City and Leicester – have been interested in the Essex-born player over the last few seasons.
His style of play has drawn comparisons with an early-Gareth Bale marauding down the wing, before the Welshman became a more traditional forward, and his ability is sure to give Slaven Bilic welcome options down the flank.
The move to Upton Park is said to be a four-year-deal worth around £3.7m to Leeds, whose hands were somewhat tied with Byram out of contract this summer.
Everton were leading the race for the Englishman for some time, but the Hammers have won the tug of war.
With his best years still yet to come, this experienced, determined and versatile player looks set for a bright future in the top-flight.
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