A Leeds United promotion hero has signed a new one-year deal with a Championship side.
Leeds United promotion hero Luke Ayling has signed a new one-year deal with Championship side Middlesbrough, committing his future to the club until 2027.
Ayling ended eight years with Leeds when departing the club in 2024 to sign permanently for Middlesbrough whom the defender had initially joined in January on loan until the end of the season.
The right-back made 28 appearances for Boro over the 2024-25 Championship season in which the Riversiders finished tenth but the defender has already made 38 appearances this season, helping Boro sit second in the table with seven games left.
Now 34, Ayling has now signed a new one-year deal, admitting last season wasn’t his best but beaming at this season’s exploits so far with the clear aim of helping the club to a Premier League return.
A statement released by Middlesbrough read: ‘Luke Ayling has signed a new contract with the club.
‘The experienced defender has extended his stay by a further year after putting pen to paper on a new deal that will see him remain at Boro until 2027.
‘Ayling has been a mainstay for the club since his arrival from Elland Road, and has figured at both right-back and centre-back, where he has flourished. He has also skippered the side on numerous occasions.
“I wanted to show people I could still play at this level”
‘He has clocked up 66 appearances as a Boro player and is hoping for another crack at the Premier League, wearing a red shirt.’
Ayling said: “I’m absolutely delighted. Last season wasn’t great for me, and I wanted to show people I could still play at this level, and I’ve enjoyed this season.
“We’re all trying to get this club back where it should be.
“It’s been a great season so far. We’ve seven games left – the fans have a massive part to play as well – and we want to make those seven games special.”
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