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Roberto Martinez: This is why Sam Byram snubbed Everton for West Ham
ROBERTO MARTINEZ has said Sam Byram “was not the right player” for Everton and has questioned whether he could have embraced the challenge of playing for the club.
Roberto Martinez admits Sam Byram was 'not the right player' for Everton
Byram opted to move to West Ham this week in a £3.7m deal ahead of Everton after both clubs had agreed terms with Leeds United.
The 22-year-old held talks with Martinez and Slaven Bilic last Sunday before making his decision, but the Everton manager now maintains that the deal was not right for both parties.
“Sam’s situation was one, as in many occasions, that we were first to identify a good potential footballer in Championship,” said Martinez.
“We went through the correct procedures and we established a good relationship with Leeds, but in the end it was not the right move for Sam and he wasn’t the right player for us with the squad that we have.
“That was end of the matter really. I am pleased that we were at the forefront of identifying a player who has terrific potential but it was not right for both parties.”
West Ham have promised Byram the chance of immediate first team football where he would have had to fight Seamus Coleman, who has returned to training this week, for a regular role.
Martinez, who faces former club Swansea on Sunday, said: “I haven’t got a crystal ball, but I can always give a correct path for a youngster to fulfil their potential as a footballer.
Everton club fact file
“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.”
James McCarthy has also returned to training following a hip problem.
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