Leeds United icon Luke Ayling has having an outstanding time at Middlesbrough at the moment, helping Rob Edwards’ side in their current promotion charge.
Back in the Championship, Daniel Farke was forced into a number of brutal decisions. He oversaw decisions for the club ti part ways with a number of the iconic side that won promotion under Marcelo Bielsa.
Included in that was Luke Ayling, who joined Middlesbrough on loan and then earned a free transfer to the Riverside in 2024, now a mainstay under Rob Edwards.
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How is Luke Ayling getting on at Middlesbrough after his 2024 Leeds United exit?
It was a tough decision to let Ayling go in January 2024, but he wasn’t getting minutes over the 17-year-old Archie Gray, and Leeds coped fine with having Connor Roberts on loan as cover.
Luke Ayling left Leeds United for Middlesbrough in January 2024. (Action Images/Jason Cairnduff)
He joined ‘Boro managed then by Michael Carrick, and his first 18 months at Teesside were mixed. Carrick struggled to coach a consistently solid defence. Ultimately, it meant missing out on the playoffs twice before leaving in the summer just gone.
His replacement, Rob Edwards has found a new lease of life in Ayling. The right-back has featured in all 14 games so far, playing a full 90 minutes in all but four of them.
Ayling has also donned the captain’s armband on a number of occasions this season, taking on a leadership role after Jonny Howson left the Riverside for a return to Elland Road in the summer.
Luke Ayling recalls iconic Leeds United celebration as Kalvin Phillips reacts
‘Boro dropped to third in the table on Tuesday night. Although, the mood was high after a late leveller scored by Ayling away at Leicester City.
Having been reduced to 10 men at the King Power Stadium, a deep cross from Callum Brittain found Ayling’s head at the far post. As he nodded in, he wheeled away in identical fashion to two memorable Leeds goals away at Wolves.
As he ran to the Middlesbrough fans, he whipped out the classic Robbie Keane cartwheel. Kalvin Phillips loved it as he reacted on Instagram:
Great to see Luke Ayling is shining away from Leeds United at Middlesbrough
Ayling was one of the shining lights of Bielsa’s glorious time as Leeds manager. He went from a steady Championship right-back to someone in genuine England discussions.
His time at Leeds fizzled out as Gray’s emergence took centre stage. However, his performances at ‘Boro prove he wasn’t finished at this level.
The Teessiders don’t have much time for Leeds. But, it’s great to see that Ayling has found another home where he’s a real favourite.
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