Leeds United essentially bid farewell to Luke Ayling back in January when he secured a loan move to Middlesbrough for the final six months of his contract, and now he has agreed a deal with the Teessiders.
Leeds are one game away from securing promotion back to the Premier League, which would be a massive weight off the shoulders of the 49ers planning for a busy summer.
Loan players and their potential permanent deals are something the club need to address, but for Luke Ayling and a couple others, their expiring contracts mean a departure has been confirmed already.
Luke Ayling agrees Middlesbrough permanent contract this week
The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has reported that right-back Ayling has agreed a permanent contract with loan club Middlesbrough.
The 32-year-old spent the second half of the season on Teesside where he was impressive as a marauding wing-back, returning to his peak form with eight assists in half a campaign.
Now, with his Leeds deal expiring, Michael Carrick is going to have the Leeds man as his first summer signing on a free transfer.
This news comes alongside the fact that the former Manchester United midfielder Carrick has also agreed a new contract to continue his solid work.
His form at Middlesbrough has seen him become a favourite under Carrick, to the point where a long-term deal has become a priority at the Riverside.
Ayling leaves Elland Road with 268 appearances under his belt, 11 goals, 21 assists, and a Championship winners’ medal to go with it.
Ayling deserves a Boro permanent deal this week
When it came to him leaving on loan, it looked like Ayling’s legs had gone and a departure was required.
He headed to Middlesbrough under a very good coach that knows how to get the best out of him, and it has brought results.
For that reason, he has to get a new contract there, because he’s clearly loved by the fans and the manager.
