Luke Ayling contract extension result of Jesse Marsch transfer meddling at Leeds United
Luke Ayling has signed a new contract at Leeds United – and the unexpected decision is a result of Jesse Marsch meddling with transfers last summer.
The American opted to sign Rasmus Kristensen last year and the former RB Salzburg full-back has proven to be a disappointing addition. Had the board landed a better full-back, and not one Marsch had previously worked with, Ayling would’ve more than likely departed, with Cody Drameh as a backup.
Kristensen has since been dropped and replaced by Ayling in the starting eleven, with Drameh being shipped out on loan to Luton Town. The American’s failure to land a quality full-back has now led to a big-money summer signing sitting on the bench and a promising youngster playing in the Championship.
Ayling has been good since returning to the side, but we shouldn’t have gotten to this point. Leeds shouldn’t be relying on a 31-year-old due to a summer signing proving to be a failure.
Now the board have seemingly panicked and been forced into extending Ayling’s stay – which isn’t the worst scenario considering the circumstances.
The board confirmed on Thursday (16 February) that they had exercised an extension clause in the 31-year-old’s contract. However, there was no mention of such a clause when he signed his previous contract back in 2019.
Realistically, the veteran defender extending his stay perhaps delays Leeds’ search for a top-quality full-back for yet another year. It’s a similar scenario on the left flank, with Pascal Struijk playing out of position and Junior Firpo struggling since his arrival at the club.
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