The Square Ball sends five-word message after Luke Ayling transfer development at Leeds United
The Square Ball podcast posted a heartfelt five-word message to Luke Ayling after a Leeds United transfer development on Wednesday.
The Athletic journalists Phil Hay and David Ornstein posted to say that Ayling was due to have a medical at Championship rivals Middlesbrough ahead of a loan move to the Riverside Stadium for the rest of the season.
Ayling is out of contract in the summer so effectively it would be a permanent exit from Elland Road after seven-and-a-half years in West Yorkshire.
The 32-year-old right-back is a popular figure at Leeds having played a pivotal role in helping the club achieve promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa.
Reacting to the news, the Square Ball podcast posted on X (10 January): “This one hurts. Love you.” They also tagged Ayling in the post.
Perplexing
From Ayling’s perspective, you can totally understand why he wants to seek pastures new. He has hardly been involved at all since November, often finding himself out of the squad completely let alone the starting XI.
At the age of 32, he is entering the twilight of his career so he will want to maximise his playing opportunities and it looks as though Middlesbrough will provide more of those for the amiable right-back.
On the flip side, it is difficult to understand Daniel Farke’s rationale for sanctioning this one. Archie Gray has been utilised mainly at right-back this season, but the 17-year-old is a midfielder by trade and it is a lot to expect a teenager to shoulder the full burden.
Sam Byram was signed to play left-back but can go right-back, the only issue being his struggles to stay fit. Jamie Shackleton is a utility option to go there, but Djed Spence has been sent back to Tottenham. You would hope that Farke will bring in reinforcements now Ayling is leaving.
In other Leeds United news, a Rangers update has emerged on Celtic target Joe Gelhardt.