Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told TeamTalk that Leeds United icon Luke Ayling is expected to leave the club next summer when his contract expires – with the club unlikely to hand the defender a new contract between now and then.
Ayling, 31, sees his current deal expire at the end of the season. For the first time in his Leeds spell, he finds himself as second choice at right-back, behind Denmark international Rasmus Kristensen. It will see him leave after seven years.
Joining the club back in 2016 for a bargain fee of £200,000 from Bristol City, Ayling has become a modern-day legend. A crucial part of the side that finally ended our 16-year wait for Premier League football. Ayling has played 228 times.
But because of Kristensen and injury, £35k-a-week Ayling has only started once in the Premier League this season. Bailey has told TeamTalk that Ayling is likely to leave with Leeds not expected to hand him a new contract.
“Leeds ideally would like Drameh to be challenging Rasmus Kristensen over the next 12 months, with Luke Ayling looking likely to leave in the summer,” Bailey reported, when talking to football website TeamTalk.
Bailey: Leeds icon Ayling expected to leave the club next summer
It will be a real shame to wave goodbye to Ayling. From a footballing point of view, it is probably the right one not to offer Ayling a new deal. He will turn 32 next summer. It is perhaps, down to the player himself, what he wants.
If he is open to remaining at Leeds and simply being a reserve, then Leeds could consider offer him a one-year deal. Ayling still remains a crucial player to have in the dressing room. He is a leader, pivotal to the morale of the squad.
But if Ayling wants to play regularly, then he needs to explore his options. Staying at Leeds might see him play the odd game next season. But realistically, he needs to consider a move to a club that guarantees him regular football.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
