Is Sam Byram’s decision to join West Ham over Everton now starting to hurt the Toffees for the first time?

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Sam Byram decided to join West Ham United over Everton during the 2016 January transfer window.

West Ham’s Sam Byram in action with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling

When Sam Byram decided to join West Ham over Everton in January 2016, few Toffees fans would probably have felt that disappointed to miss out given that Seamus Coleman continued to be one of the best and most reliable right-backs in the Premier League.

And while at certain stages since the right-back did join the Hammers for £3.7 million (via Daily Mail), Everton fans may have actually been grateful that they did not sign the former Leeds man – injury has largely prevented the 23-year-old making a major impact for Slaven Bilic’s side – recent events may leave them, probably for the first time, wishing that he had moved to Goodison Park.

The horrific injury that Coleman suffered during the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier with Wales will undoubtedly lead to a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and given the severity, it would surely hardly be a surprise if he misses a decent portion of next season also.

Meanwhile, Byram – who Ronald Koeman bid for during his time as Southampton boss (via Sky Sports) – put in easily his best performance for the Hammers during their recent win over Swansea. And while Everton fans will question getting excited about a good display over the Swans, there was a tremendous amount of pressure on that game with the Hammers getting dragged closer and closer to the relegation scrap, and yet, Byram shone.

Seamus Coleman

Mason Holgate has done relatively well at right-back for the Toffees, but having Byram in the ranks would have surely made Koeman’s life a lot easier as they try to cope without one of their main stalwarts.

And although it remains to be seen if Byram can build upon his excellent display at the weekend, it could certainly be argued that for the first time since he snubbed them for the Hammers, Everton may be disappointed to have missed out.