Leeds United: Daniel Farke shares January transfer update on ‘legendary’ Luke Ayling after apparent goodbye gesture
Daniel Farke has insisted Luke Ayling’s gesture to the Leeds United fans after their FA Cup win against Peterborough was not a goodbye gesture despite the rumours.
The boss shared that it was simply a gesture of appreciation for the travelling support who had given Ayling and the team undying support throughout the game and that he would also be emotional as a result of the praise.
Farke continued, saying he was not surprised by the reception Ayling received, and that he would be amongst those singing his name if he was in the stands as a supporter.
Speaking to Leeds Live [8 January], Farke shared: “No, [it was] quite normal. If I was a supporter, I would sing during the whole game just one name. This would be Luke’s name.
“What he has done for this club and what he has done for this group is amazing. I know at the moment quite often the goal scorers or assisters or the younger guys who are in the spotlight are more or less the main focus and they sing their names, but I’m a bit old-fashioned.
“I would sing ‘Luke, Luke, Luke’ for the whole 90 minutes. It’s not a miracle everyone is celebrating him that much and if you get such a reception, although you haven’t played that much in recent weeks or also today you come in just for 20 minutes, I would be also emotionally touched if I’m honest, as a player. I think that’s just due to his legendary status.”
Ayling may still leave Elland Road
Despite Farke’s constant praise for the defender, coupled with his insistence that the gesture following their FA Cup victory wasn’t a goodbye, it still remains possible that Ayling will depart Elland Road in the January transfer window.
His deal is set to expire at the end of the season, and despite the boss’ praise, there has been no progress on a renewal. The Athletic [16 October] reported that Farke would be the one to decide on contract renewals, so only he will know for sure what will happen with Ayling.
More recently, it has been suggested that he could depart before the expiry of his deal, with Middlesbrough keen on bringing the 32-year-old to the Riverside [Sky Sports, 3 January] to help add experience to their squad as they push for promotion.
Whether or not his applause towards the fans was an immediate goodbye message, the right-back has slipped down the pecking order at Elland Road and it is unclear when, if ever, he will appear for Leeds again.
In other Leeds United news, Gary Lineker was stunned by what happened v Peterborough.