Leeds United exit on the cards for Luke Ayling amid call for a new contract – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
It would be understandable if Luke Ayling looked for a move away from Leeds United now that he is not playing and none of the club’s fans would begrudge him that, according to Paul Robinson.
The Sky Sports pundit would personally be “absolutely” in favour of signing the veteran defender up to a new contract at Elland Road but feels at this stage of the 32-year-old’s career he might not be content with a bit-part role.
Ayling has only started one Championship game in the past two months as Daniel Farke has preferred both Archie Gray and Jamie Shackleton at right-back, so Robinson feels lack of involvement could send him elsewhere.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News the former England keeper said: “I think it becomes a personal thing now as to what he wants at this stage of his career.
“I know there was talk of a new contract, I don’t know whether that’s still on the table or not for Luke.
“I certainly wouldn’t be against him signing a new contract because of what he’s done for the club and the impact that he has around the dressing room, because of the leadership qualities he’s got and because he’s a quality player.
“But for him personally, he’s not playing football. Whether that’s a breakdown in communication with the manager I don’t know or whether it’s just the manager’s personal preference.
“But Luke is a consummate professional. He’s one of the fittest guys in the team, and he works very, very hard on and off the field. He’s a true leader in that dressing room and a fine example to a lot of these young players.
“Whether he at this stage of his career wants to continue playing, or is happy with a bit-part role knowing that his contract’s coming to an end, maybe there are pastures new that he wants to explore at this stage to keep playing.
“I don’t think there would be anybody in a Leeds United supporter capacity that would begrudge him a move with him not playing football.
“But I’m sure that everybody would be delighted if he penned a new contract. This is a space to watch.
“I’m of the opinion that if he’s wanting to stay and willing to stay then absolutely give him a new contract and get him in as an integral part of the squad.
“But also if the manager’s not playing him and he isn’t getting his game time, from your own personal point of view, you could understand that he wants to go and play football at his age.”
With Djed Spence almost back to full fitness it seems unlikely that Ayling’s game time is going to grow significantly in the near future.
Since his contract is set to expire in the summer it would be no surprise to see him fulfil his dressing room role for the rest of the campaign and move on.
After 267 Leeds United appearances and counting he has obviously been a key part of the club’s recent history but with the Marcelo Bielsa side increasingly broken up the defender might be one of the next parts to go.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay reports that the club don’t expect a pair of high-profile signings to play for the club again.