Leeds United made their first real steps into next season by announcing their retained list on Friday afternoon.
The Whites confirmed those they intend to keep at Elland Road and who they are to happy to move on, and it would be fair to say there were a couple of surprises.
Despite it looking all but certain Liam Cooper would depart, he remains in talks over a new deal alongside Jamie Shackleton, though nothing has been signed by either.
Cody Drameh has also been offered a new deal, though it is said this has been done solely to ensure they can receive compensation when he moves to another club. He is still expected to leave.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, meanwhile, both Lewis Bate or Ian Poveda have officially been released, despite impressive loan spells at MK Dons and Sheffield Wednesday respectively in the second half of the season.
Ampadu and Roberts react to Sam Byram announcement
It is expected to be a busy summer at Leeds and announcing the retained list is the first of many key decisions that will need making.
Full-back is certainly expected to be a position that will need strengthening over the coming weeks, with Connor Roberts having returned to Burnley and Junior Firpo’s future uncertain.
However, one man who has had his future clarified is Sam Byram, which should give Leeds less of a headache when it comes to strengthening at right-back.
Byram had been out of contract this month but due to the number of appearances he made last season, it has triggered a one-year extension.
Considering the level of his performances after joining Leeds on a free, he was certainly the most deserving of the out of contract first team crop of a new deal.
And after the announcement of the news, Byram has shared his delight on Instagram and how much he cannot wait to get going again.
He said: “Absolutely delighted to extend my stay here for another year. I can’t wait to fight for this team again to help the club get back to where we belong. See you all soon.”
Clearly he is also a popular member of the dressing room at the club, with Ethan Ampadu and Roberts just a couple of those who have responded to the news.
Leeds must not let Byram extension hamper summer plans
Byram will certainly prove to be a useful asset to the squad again next season, but Leeds cannot afford to rely on him too heavily.
The 30-year-old still missed a number of games through injury and the likelihood is it will be the same story again, just based on the way his career has gone in recent years.
With that in mind, Leeds still need to ensure they bring in new full-backs on both sides of the pitch, and perhaps have Byram as third choice on the left and right.
That said, his extension is smart business and with the experience leaving the dressing room this summer, his will be useful.