Leeds United defended amid risk Luke Ayling falls into hands of rivals wanting free transfer
Leeds United were fully justified in their decision to let Luke Ayling join Middlesbrough in January, according to Don Goodman.
Ayling’s seven-and-a-half-year spell at Elland Road effectively came to an end three months ago when joining Boro for the rest of the season.
With his contract up in the summer, the full-back is attracting interest from numerous clubs, including Sheffield United [Alan Nixon, 20 April].
Despite not getting a fee for a player likely to be in demand after his strong form for Boro, Goodman says Leeds’ choice must be respected.
“You can’t really say that it’s a mistake when Archie Gray has done so well at right-back, with Sam Byram as cover,” Goodman told MOT Leeds News.
“Luke Ayling wasn’t getting a game for Leeds. You have to understand that the Leeds coaches are the ones that see these guys every single day in training and decided that Archie Gray was a better option at right-back than Luke Ayling.
“I don’t think you can argue with that. Luke has done well at Middlesbrough, but from his perspective it was about playing time – that’s so important.
“He’s gone to Middlesbrough, got that and made an impact. In terms of it being a mistake, I can’t see that to be honest with you, no.”
Luke Ayling attracting Sheffield United transfer interest
Ayling was not getting many minutes at Leeds and allowing him to leave for the rest of 2023-24 made sense, but the question is whether he could have still played a part beyond this season?
The fan favourite has been a success at Middlesbrough so far, having assisted five goals in his last nine appearances after regaining his fitness.
Given the reported interest from Sheffield United, who will likely be challenging for an instant return to the Premier League, it is clear that Ayling is still capable of doing a job.
Unfortunately for him, Daniel Farke had other options that he felt were better suited to him. The only real regret is that Leeds will miss out on a transfer fee. Every Leeds supporter, though, will simply wish Ayling all the best wherever he ends up beyond this summer.
In other Leeds United news, a first-team regular’s season appears to be over following the emergence of an image on social media.
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