Andrea Radrizzani to stop Leeds United contract stand-off with Luke Ayling, he wants Elland Road stay
Luke Ayling’s future at Leeds United has been an area of speculation – and now is the time for the board to end their contract stand-off with the 31-year-old.
The Mirror claimed (print edition, pg.53, 7 April) the right back had asked Leeds’ hierarchy to offer him a contract extension because he wanted to finish his career at Elland Road.
Ayling’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2023 and MOT Leeds News exclusively revealed (1 February) that contract talks are underway, with the right-back playing his way back into contention. However, as the season’s end edges closer, there has been no noise from the club regarding extending his stay.
It’s now time for Andrea Radrizzani to end this contract standoff, particularly with the 31-year-old performing well and clearly eager to extend his career in West Yorkshire.
An experienced head, like Ayling, could be absolutely vital for any new manager who takes the reins at Elland Road. Furthermore, Rasmus Kristensen has endured a tough time since joining the club. If the board let Ayling depart, they would almost certainly need to delve back into the right-back market in the summer.
It’s unlikely the veteran defender will be demanding extortionate wages to agree on a new contract. This seems like a no-brainer for the board and it would be foolish to allow this contract issue to dwindle on for much longer.
A new manager is clearly the priority, but it’s important the club don’t forget about some of its assets who need their futures rectified.
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