Leeds United: Luke Ayling to say goodbye at Thorp Arch with Middlesbrough transfer paperwork to be sorted – Graham Smyth
Luke Ayling is expected to say his goodbyes to his Leeds United teammates this evening ahead of a move to Middlesbrough, according to Graham Smyth.
Writing on the Yorkshire Evening Post website (10 January), the reliable journalist reports that the necessary loan paperwork is expected to be completed at some point on Wednesday with a medical taking place this morning.
And the veteran right-back is set to say his farewells at Thorp Arch on Wednesday evening once the deal has been finalised, bringing an end to his 7.5 year stay with the Whites.
“Leeds United defender Luke Ayling is expected to say his farewells at Thorp Arch this evening once his medical at Middlesbrough and the necessary loan paperwork is completed,” they wrote.
Legend
There is no doubting that this is the right move for the club and for Ayling because he’s not really part of the club’s plans anymore, but it’s still sad to see a legend leave.
Ayling has been at the club for seven-and-a-half years after joining from Bristol City for £200k and has gone on to be a regular in the Premier League for us and keep the standards of the club alive.
He will no doubt go down as a legend of the club at Elland Road but the move makes sense for everyone, and now we can look towards upgrading during this window.
Djed Spence has been allowed to move on too leaving the club’s right-back options as Sam Byram, who has been the first-choice left-back this season, and midfield duo Archie Gray and Jamie Shackleton.
That’s a worry ahead of the second half of the season, so hopefully the club will look to bring someone in quickly and ensure we’re not left too short.
In other Leeds news, first-team player picks new club after several offers with Elland Road exit close.