Leeds United have been urged to keep hold of one of Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion heroes by offering him a new deal before the end of the current campaign.
Luke Ayling has been a stalwart at Elland Road since joining the club in 2016 and has been a regular in the first-team for the majority of his time at the club.
However, the Scotland international has found himself down the pecking order this term under new head coach Daniel Farke as the German manager has opted to utilise 17-year-old Archie Gray on the right side of the defence.
Leeds have been much-improved this season, particularly since the September international break and currently sitting third in the table, eight points behind league-leaders Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
Gray has been one of the Peacocks’ best players under Farke and has become one of the first names on the teamsheet each week. Regardless, this excellent form has piqued the interest of Premier League clubs such as Liverpool who are keen to sign Gray this January.
Ayling’s £19k-per-week contract is set to expire at the end of the season and Leeds could potentially be left without both right-backs by the summer. Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson believes that it would be wise for his former side to hand the experienced defender a new contract.
Speaking to MOT Leeds, the ex-goalkeeper said [quotes via Football League World]:
“Whether he at this stage of his career wants to continue playing, or is happy with a bit-part role knowing that his contract’s coming to an end, maybe there are pastures new that he wants to explore at this stage to keep playing.
“I don’t think there would be anybody in a Leeds United supporter capacity that would begrudge him a move with him not playing football. But I’m sure that everybody would be delighted if he penned a new contract. This is a space to watch.”
Writer’s View
Ayling is still a decent player, and while he may not be a regular starter in the team anymore, he still has a lot of quality that can be utilised sparingly in the future, providing he wants to stay with Leeds, of course.
However, Ayling also has a lot of experience and will be a calm head for the rest of the squad, knowing what it takes to win and get out of the division.
Deputy Head of Writing
