Victor Orta has told Leeds United’s site that the impact Luke Ayling has both on and off the pitch is “immeasurable”- after the club confirmed that they had extended the defender’s contract by a year at Elland Road, until June 2024.
The right-back has now spent the last seven years at Leeds – joining the club in the summer of 2016 under Garry Monk. Since then, he has clocked up a huge 237 games. Last summer, he was threatened by the signing of Rasmus Kristensen.
Jesse Marsch chose to reacquaint himself with his old Salzburg player. While the Dane started the first chunk of games, Ayling watched on injured. But since then, Ayling has come into the side and is now starting week in, week out, again.
He has started seven Premier League games in a row and while wearing the armband in both of Michael Skubala’s games as interim manager – he has arguably been our best player. Orta gave his verdict on Skubala signing a contract.
“Luke fully deserves his extension, he remains a key member of the team and his impact off the field is immeasurable. Luke is a leader, as well as being a top Premier League footballer,” Orta said, after Leeds extended Ayling’s contract.
Victor Orta says Luke Ayling impact at Leeds is immeasurable
What a signing he has been. Arguably, the best thing Monk did as Leeds manager. The ex-Bristol City, Yeovil and Arsenal ace has been a mainstay of the side. One of the original players that started with Marcelo Bielsa in 2018.
A key part of this Leeds side and if the Whites are going to win survival, Ayling will be absolutely central to it – as Orta says, both on and off the pitch. His contract was expiring in the summer and it was the right decision to extend it.
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