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FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has given his verdict on Luke Ayling's contract situation

Luke Ayling has been a prominent part of Middlesbrough’s start to the new season under Kim Hellberg.

The former Leeds United defender has started six of their opening eight fixtures in the Championship, coming off the bench on the other two occasions.

The 35-year-old has also provided two assists, with Boro sitting third in the table with 14 points from a possible 24.

However, the veteran’s contract is set to expire in the summer, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for Ayling.

He joined the club on an initial loan basis from the Whites in the second half of 2023/24 before signing on a permanent basis.

Ayling has made a total of 96 appearances in the league for the Teesside outfit, and was a consistent presence last year as Hellberg’s side reached the play-off final.

Luke Ayling must be moved on in the summer

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When asked about Ayling’s future with the club, FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day claimed that it is time for him to be moved on when his contract ends, as he is no longer up to the standard required.

He believes that the 35-year-old has been at fault for a significant number of the goals conceded so far this season, and that he never feels comfortable when the defender is in the team.

“I think Boro definitely need to move on from Luke Ayling after this season,” Day told Football League World.

“I think there’s no doubt he’s a good dressing room leader, but I think that’s about it, really.

“Performances this season haven’t been up to scratch.

“We look a much weaker side whenever he’s in.

“Don’t get me wrong, he’s sort of been forced in due to injuries like always, but when he’s in there I never feel really truly safe.

“I know we’re having some defensive problems, and a lot of goals we concede are headers, but when you look back at the goals it’s usually the man he’s marking that’s scoring the header.

“So there’s clearly a problem there.

“He’s obviously getting on, and I don’t want to take away from his leadership qualities but I think, overall, as a footballer he is very much past it, and Boro shouldn’t really be giving him a new contract unless it’s a coaching role or something like that.”

Ayling has been a consistent presence for Boro, particularly since the appointment of Hellberg as head coach last year.

He played 43 times in the league last season, including 38 starts, as Boro finished fifth in the table.

The defender started all three of their games in the play-offs as well, including 90 minutes in the first leg of the semi-final and the final, as well as 118 minutes in the second leg.

Middlesbrough’s defensive woes

Middlesbrough have conceded 12 goals from their first eight league games, which is the most of the teams currently occupying the top six in the Championship.

Seven of those came in the last three fixtures, drawing 2-2 with Birmingham City and Millwall, and winning 4-3 against Norwich City.

Ayling started the two draws, but only came on in the 4-3 victory in the very closing stages, but Middlesbrough’s only clean sheet also came in a fixture in which he was a substitute.

Next up for Hellberg’s side is a home clash against potential promotion rivals Wolves on 10 October.

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Luke Ayling’s continued importance is a concern for Middlesbrough

Ayling’s regular game time is the result of injuries in the squad as much as anything, but it’s still a concern that he’s such a prominent member of the squad.

The 35-year-old was a Premier League capable player at one point in his career, but he’s not close to that level now.

A new contract should only be forthcoming in the summer if he will have a less significant role in the team, as his leadership qualities are a valuable part of the dressing room.

If he could be kept on and eased into more of a background or coaching role, then that would be the best move for the club.