Middlesbrough land ninth summer signing | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have completed the signing of former Leeds United defender Sam Byram, their ninth acquisition of the summer.

The 32-year-old rejected a contract renewal at Elland Road and has signed for Boro as a free agent. He featured in the Premier League just once and made a handful of cup appearances for Leeds last term.

The full-back arrives at the Riverside with plenty of experience. He has played more than 200 Championship matches, as well as 60 in the Premier League. Byram is also the first of Boro’s summer recruits that is older than 24.

“I’m buzzing to be here,” Byram said after signing. “It’s a club I know well from playing against them over many seasons, so I’m very familiar with the place and delighted to be here.

“It’s a great club and a big club, and one that I’m really happy to be part of. I’ve been around this league for a number of years and had a couple of promotions in that time, so I know what it takes.

“It’s an incredibly tough league and a long season, but it’s a great squad and great group. If I can add a bit of experience and a bit of quality, that’s what I’m here to do.”

The defender’s arrival comes after manager Kim Hellberg admitted earlier today that fellow summer signing Ashley Phillips is still “far” from being ready to play.