Luke Ayling optimistic about Leeds United season despite Phillips, Raphinha departures
Luke Ayling believes Leeds United are in a good position going into next season despite the departures of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.
The Whites lost the England and Brazil internationals to Manchester City and Barcelona in the ongoing transfer window.
However, that hasn’t stopped Leeds from spending on players like Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi.
Ayling was quoted by the Yorkshire Post newspaper on Tuesday, July 26 (page 20) where he expressed optimism about the upcoming season.
“I hope we have a good season, we have signed a lot of new players,” he said. “We lost two of our most important players but we have signed well and our squad is better this year and hopefully we can have a good season.”
After so many years under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, it is the dawn of a new era at Leeds United.
Jesse Marsch ensured that the Whites secured their Premier League status for another season. However, it is important that they build on this rather than having another banana skin to go through next season.
The Whites have lost Phillips and Raphinha on big money moves, which doesn’t help their status going into next season.
However, it is a good sign that Leeds already knew about it and made moves of their own. Most importantly, they have kept hold of some important players in the team like Jack Harrison, who will be vital to their attacking football next season.
One of the areas which still remain a concern for the club is the defensive side of things after all Leeds had the second-worst defensive record in the league last season, only behind Norwich City.
Therefore, they would be hoping that someone like Ayling would return to full fitness as soon as possible as his leadership qualities will be pivotal for the side’s future.
In other Leeds United news, the Arnaud Kalimuendo chase rumbles on but it may not be a permanent deal anymore as Christophe Galtier stands his ground.