Kalvin Phillips reacts to Luke Ayling message following Leeds United exit
Kalvin Phillips has reacted to Luke Ayling’s message on social media after the player’s exit from Leeds United this summer.
The veteran right-back joined Middlesbrough on a six-month loan due to a lack of game time at Elland Road and has now officially signed for Michael Carrick’s team on a permanent deal.
Phillips and Ayling built up a relationship during their time together with the Whites and that was evident as the current Manchester City player showed his love for the former Leeds player.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday (1 June), Ayling wrote: “Loved my five months with you – I wanted more!
So happy to be part of your club for the next 2 years! Let’s go make this season a special one with a special group of players and staff. Excited for what’s to come.”
Phillips simply replied with three heart emojis, showing his love for his former teammate.
Luke Ayling switches Leeds United for Middlesbrough this summer
The 32-year-old clearly still has life left in him, having proven so during his 19 appearances on loan at the Riverside Stadium and earning himself a permanent move.
It comes as no surprise after the full-back notched eight assists in the Championship, with Boro only just missing out on the play-off spots by four points.
With Archie Gray impressing at full-back this season, and the likes of Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton able to cover in the position, Ayling would have likely been in the same position next season without a move.
While Ayling has left the club in search of more game time, Phillips’ own future is up in the air having flopped on loan at West Ham in the second half of the campaign.
Leeds reportedly had a deal to bring the 28-year-old midfielder back to Elland Road on loan, but without promotion to the Premier League secured, that no longer looks to be the case. [TEAMtalk]
Both players are much-loved figures at Elland Road, having played vital parts in Leeds’ promotion to the top tier of English football in 2020, and will be welcomed back with open arms any time.
In other Leeds news, the club want to sign this Chelsea defender on a season-long loan.
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