Don Goodman believes Luke Ayling’s move from Leeds United to fellow Championship club Middlesbrough is a “great move” for everyone involved.
On Wednesday (10 January), the long-serving defender officially signed on loan for the remainder of the season with Boro.
Ayling’s seven-and-a-half-year contract with Leeds, during which he made 268 appearances, expires in the summer, officially ending his stint there.
Leeds are hope the fan favourite will be in attendance at Elland Road for the Preston North End game on January 21 so that supporters can give him a proper send-off.
After starting only eight of United’s 26 league games this season, Ayling’s time at the club appeared to be coming to an end.
However, Goodman believes that the Arsenal youth product has the potential to make a significant impression at Middlesbrough despite his young age of 32.
“For Luke, it’s a fantastic move because he’s not getting regular football at Leeds United,” Goodman told MOT Leeds News.
“Archie Gray, a midfielder, has spent the majority of the season playing at right back. Djed Spence came in and has already returned to Spurs.
“So it makes complete sense for Luke Ayling. He’s been an excellent servant for Leeds United.
“If his career ends tomorrow, he may look back with great pride on what a trip it has been.
“I remember him from Yeovil many years ago and the journey he’s gone on since being let go by Arsenal.
“So for him to end up at Leeds United, get promoted to the Premier League, be a Premier League player for a few years, and become a fan favourite at Elland Road, he’s done an outstanding job.
“But it’s about the present when you’re a player; when you reach that point in your career, you want to be playing football every week.
“He’ll be joining a very excellent and ambitious team in Middlesbrough, led by Michael Carrick. A club that is presumably far enough behind Leeds to not be concerned about Luke Ayling closing the gap on his own.
“I can’t see Middlesbrough catching Leeds United. If it had been tighter, Leeds might have reconsidered allowing him go to them.
“I think it’s a terrific contract for both the player and the team. Middlesbrough needs leaders, and he certainly fits that bill.”
