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

Luke Ayling has signed a new one-year contract with Middlesbrough, keeping him at the Championship club until 2027. The club said in a statement that the experienced defender has extended his stay by a further year.

Ayling ended eight years at Leeds United in 2024, initially joining Boro on loan in January until the end of the season before completing a permanent move in the summer.

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

Now 34, Ayling has operated at right-back and centre-back and has also captained the side on occasions.

He is delighted with the new deal, acknowledging last season was not great for him personally and that he wanted to show he could still play at this level. He has enjoyed this campaign.

Ayling underlined the aim of helping Boro return to the Premier League. He also highlighted the importance of the supporters for the run-in and said the squad want to make the remaining fixtures special.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk