Martinez: Byram Deal “Wasn’t Right”

Roberto Martinez has no regrets about Sam Byram joining West Ham and insists a move to Everton wasn’t right for the player, or Everton.

Martinez: “Sam’s situation was one, as in many occasions, we were first to identify a good potential footballer in the Championship,’ said Martinez. ‘We went through the correct procedures and we established a good relationship with Leeds.

“But in the end it wasn’t the right move for Sam and he wasn’t the right player for us with the squad that we have and that was end of the matter, really. I’m pleased that we were at the forefront of identifying a player who has terrific potential but it was not right for both parties.”

Asked if it had anything to do with not being able to promise regular starts, Martinez said: “I haven’t got a crystal ball, but I can always give a correct path for a youngster to fulfil potential their potential as a footballer. But, as you know, the player needs to earn that opportunity to play on the pitch.

“As I say it wasn’t right as a football club to bring a young talent for the sake of it and it was not right for Sam to come to Everton. I don’t think it was a challenge he could embrace.”