Luke Ayling signs one-year Middlesbrough deal and targets Premier League return | OneFootball

Luke Ayling, a Leeds United promotion hero, has signed a new one-year contract with Middlesbrough, keeping him at the Championship club until 2027 as they chase a Premier League return.

The club said in a statement that the 34-year-old has extended his stay by a year, has operated at right-back and centre-back, captained the side, and made 66 appearances, aiming for another crack at the top flight in red.

Ayling ended eight years with Leeds in 2024, initially joining Boro on loan in January until season’s end before making the move permanent that summer.

He made 28 appearances in 2024-25 as Boro finished 10th. This season he has already featured 38 times, helping Boro sit second with seven games remaining.

He was delighted after a difficult previous campaign, sought to prove he could still perform at this level, and has enjoyed this season.

The squad are trying to get the club back where it should be, and he wants the fans to play a major part in the final seven matches, which the team want to make special.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk