Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink reacts to 'big' new signing at Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink has revealed his thoughts on the "big" new signing Middlesbrough made by bringing in Sam Byram from Leeds United...

Former Middlesbrough and Leeds United striker Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink has reacted to Sam Byram moving from Elland Road to The Riverside over the summer.

Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink became one of the Premier League's most feared strikers during his time in England, representing Leeds United, Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Charlton Athletic, and Cardiff City during the Dutchman's stay.

He made his name at Leeds, scoring 34 goals in 69 appearances, before returning after a spell at Atletico Madrid to become a hero for Chelsea and two-time Golden Boot winner. His two seasons at Middlesbrough were also hugely productive, scoring 22 Premier League goals and helping the club reach the UEFA Cup final.

Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink's Sam Byram verdict after Leeds to Middlesbrough transfer

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One of his former clubs, Middlesbrough, were one of the busiest Championship clubs over the summer, bringing in no fewer than 12 players as Kim Hellberg’s side look to finally end their 10-year wait for Premier League football.

Crucially, much of the recruitment has focused on youth, with Ashley Phillips, Will Lankshear, and Radek Vitek arriving permanently, while Amario Cozier-Duberry has joined on loan with plenty of room to develop.

In fact, only one of the 12 is aged above 24 — Sam Byram. The former Leeds man may not be the signing to get supporters particularly excited, but his versatility is important, offering cover at both full-back positions and potentially in a wide position in a back three.

Hasselbaink has also been positive about what the experienced defender can add. Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, he said: “You can see it already, the experience he has brought. It's a big signing for them, and a smart one, for sure.

“They just have to keep him on the pitch, because he has had injuries in the past.

"They have to keep him on the pitch, and he can help them get promoted. Middlesbrough have to go up this year.”

The experience lost by Middlesbrough this summer

Leadership is another key component of any promotion-winning squad, and Middlesbrough had plenty to replace this summer. The departures of Hayden Hackney, Darragh Lenihan, Alan Browne, Matt Targett, and club captain Dael Fry removed a significant amount of seniority from the squad.

It's vast amounts of experience and leadership from the dressing room which needed to be replaced, with Sam Byram therefore joining Luke Ayling in helping address that issue. Ironically, both joined the Championship outfit directly from Leeds.

The pair are Boro’s two oldest outfield players, with only Neto Borges and Jon McLaughlin also over 30. Alfie Jones, Riley McGree, and Callum Brittain provide further senior voices, but this was undoubtedly an area that needed attention.

Byram may not have been the signing to excite supporters, yet his experience and versatility could prove to be hugely valuable during a promotion push. Middlesbrough's squad is exciting in how young it is, and Byram wasn't just a necessary addition for full-back depth, but due to his seniority as well.

Sam Byram's career statistics and promotions

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Byram has spent the vast majority of his career operating at Championship or Premier League level, which makes him a valuable addition despite the injury problems that have interrupted his progress in periods of his career.

He first emerged at Leeds before earning a move to West Ham United, later playing for Norwich City and Nottingham Forest, and returned to Elland Road in 2023. He has also experienced promotion at both Norwich and Leeds, meaning he knows exactly what the demands of a promotion challenge look like.

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Injuries have undoubtedly limited his consistency, but Byram remains an experienced, versatile defender with plenty to give. Having recently turned 33, this could be a different stage of his career, but his pedigree should not be underestimated by Middlesbrough supporters.