Leeds United have exercised their option to extend Luke Ayling’s contract at Elland Road by a year. The right-back’s deal was due to expire at the end of the current Premier League season, but the Whites are keen to see him stick around beyond the summer.
As such, they have extended his deal until the end of the 2023-24 season by triggering the clause they held in his contract, following his strong recent displays in a White shirt. The vice-captain has been one of Leeds’ strongest performers over the last few weeks and he has shown how valuable his experience can be following the dismissal of Jesse Marsch earlier this month.
Ayling has made 237 appearances for the Whites since joining from Bristol City in 2016, and with his future secured, he can now focus entirely on trying to keep the Whites in the Premier League.
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The right-back said: “All my focus is on Leeds United staying in the Premier League this season, but it goes without saying that I love this football club and I am delighted to extend my stay into next year.
“I want to thank our fans for their continued support as well as my teammates and everyone connected with the club.”
Director of football Victor Orta added: “Luke fully deserves his extension, he remains a key member of the team and his impact off the field is immeasurable. Luke is a leader, as well as being a top Premier League footballer.”
The right-back has re-established himself as the club's leading right-back over Rasmus Kristensen since the World Cup break, rising to the challenge to seize his spot in the starting XI. As such, he'll have a key role to play over the remainder of the campaign as the managerless Whites attempt to secure a fourth straight season in the top flight.
Ayling's extension means Adam Forshaw and Joel Robles are the only two players within the senior squad in possession of a contracts that expire this summer.
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