Luke Ayling signs new one-year Middlesbrough deal to 2027, targets Premier League return | OneFootball

Luke Ayling has signed a new one-year contract at Middlesbrough, keeping the 34-year-old at the Championship club until 2027.

The club said in a statement that the experienced defender has extended his stay and has featured at right-back and centre-back, captaining the side at times. They put his Boro appearances at 66 and noted his hope of another Premier League opportunity in red.

Ayling ended eight years at Leeds United in 2024, first joining Boro on loan in January before making the switch permanent in the summer.

He made 28 appearances in 2024-25 as Middlesbrough finished 10th. This season he has already played 38 matches, with Boro second and seven games remaining.

After a difficult 2024-25 personally, he set out to prove he could still play at this level and has enjoyed this campaign. His aim is to help take the club back to the Premier League. In the run-in, he views the fans as pivotal and wants to make it special.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk