Port Vale have secured the surprise signing of George Byers following his departure from Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.
The League Two side beat several sides from higher up the EFL pyramid to secure the talented 28-year-old on a three-year deal after being released earlier in the summer.
The midfielder, who already has a relationship with Vale manager Darren Moore will stay at Vale Park until the summer of 2027.
What’s Been Said?
Manager Darren Moor spoke about the move to the club’s official website:
“George is a player who I know really well from my time at Sheffield Wednesday. His energy, drive and quality on the ball will be attributes that are appreciated by our supporters.
“We have met with George a few times over the last couple of weeks and although there has been strong interest at levels above League Two, he has quickly bought into the wider project that is ongoing here at Vale Park and what we are trying to build.
“Positive competition in all positions is vital and George will come in and add even stronger competition for places amongst our already-competitive midfield options.
“I am really looking forward to welcoming George into our squad as we continue to build towards next season and beyond.”
Owls Reunited
Byers began his career in Watford’s academy, before linking up with Swansea City in 2016. He took a spot in the club’s youth set-up, signing a pro deal a couple of years later. Following this, he spent a brief spell at Portsmouth, making 15 appearances whilst the club was in the third tier.
Current Port Vale manager, Darren Moore, then at Sheffield Wednesday then secured his signing in 2021. He remained with the Owls for some time making 78 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing eight assists. In the winter window in 2024 Byers moved to Blackpool on loan helping Neil Critchley’s side from the centre of the park, appearing 16 times in all competitions.
He was then released at the end of the season alongside the likes of Tyreeq Bakinson, Ciaran Brennan, Juan Delgado, Lee Gregory, and Reece James.
A coup and a show of intent for Port Vale
In all likelihood, had it not been for the existing relationship between Moore and Byers, this move may not have come about. It is a prime example of a manager using his contacts and his knowledge of other clubs to pluck the top talent.
Byers is still only 28 and mid way through his ‘prime’ footballing years. He has extensive experience in the Championship and also performed well in the third tier last season. The player could have and probably still would do a brilliant job in League One next season, which may be a show of intent for Port Vale on where they aim to be.
If this is the level of signing that the club are looking to recruit in a… weaker League Two, their rivals should be scared.
