West Ham United

Could Sam Byram signing spell the end for loan star?

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A deal for Byram could be completed this week

Sam Byram is set to complete a transfer to West Ham United, for a fee of around £3.5 million. The 22 year old has reportedly turned down Everton, who offered a higher fee, and decided he wants to join the Hammers instead. £3.5 million seems like a bargain for a talented right back who can also play further up the pitch, especially considering the fact that he is English which seems to double or triple usual transfer fees in the Premier League.

If we do secure the services of the youngster this week, it wouldn’t be surprising to see someone leaving the club before the transfer window is over. Byram is not going to be returning to Leeds on loan, and will go straight into Slaven Bilic’s first team plans which means that to cover his wages it would suggest that someone will be leaving The Boleyn Ground in the next couple of weeks.

There have many rumours about where Mauro Zarate will end up, with Malaga constantly linked with the Argentine throughout the last month or so. But this seems unlikely as Bilic would want someone as a direct replacement for Zarate, another attacking midfielder. The most likely could be Carl Jenkinson.

Jenkinson has been a decent loan acquisition since he first joined last season, but is currently out of favour at Upton Park. He seems to have a lack of confidence and James Tomkins has been superior to him since Bilic moved him to right back. Jenkinson also signed a new Arsenal deal in the summer. They have Bellerin in that position, but with the possibility of Mathieu Debuchy leaving this month, that frees up room for Jenkinson as their second choice right back, instead of going further down the pecking order at The Boleyn Ground.

If we can keep both, that would be ideal. Jenkinson has made a real impact here and deserves a chance to stay and prove his worth but if someone needs to be shifted to keep wages low enough, then it wouldn’t be surprising if the young right back was the player that makes way.

Byram is already a fans favourite after turning down Everton despite them offering more money. Leeds owner Massimo Cellino said yesterday,  “I’m really sorry for Everton because they really acted like gentlemen, but Sam chose West Ham”.

If Byram does sign this week, then let’s hope that he can make the step up like Aaron Cresswell did when he joined from Ipswich in the Championship.

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