Sam Greenwood has sent a message to Luke Ayling on social media following the long-serving defender’s exit from Leeds United.
Middlesbrough confirmed on their official website on Monday (27 May) that Ayling has joined the club on a permanent basis.
Ayling joined Boro on loan in January and has now made his stay permanent ahead of his Elland Road contract expiring next month.
Greenwood, who was himself at Boro this past season, reacted to the news on his personal Instagram page [27 May] with two love heart emojis.
Luke Ayling joins Middlesbrough on permanent basis
Ayling was hugely popular at Elland Road, both among the fanbase and indeed in the dressing room – as summed up by the countless messages sent his way.
The 32-year-old will be greatly missed around these parts, but it is a move that has seemed likely for a while now. Ayling still has Leeds close to his heart, having attended the play-off final loss to Southampton at Wembley.
And his eight assists in 19 Championship appearances for Middlesbrough in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign shows he can still do a job at this level.
Some will wonder if Leeds should have perhaps offered him a contract extension, but the decision has been made and must be respected.
With United set for another year of second-tier football, at least there is a chance to cross paths with Ayling a couple of times next season.
