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

Luke Ayling has signed a new one-year contract at Middlesbrough, extending his stay until 2027. The club said in a statement that the 34-year-old defender has committed to Boro for a further year.

Ayling ended eight years at Leeds United in 2024, initially joining Middlesbrough on loan in January before completing a permanent move in the summer.

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

Since arriving from Elland Road, he has operated at right-back and centre-back and has captained the team on occasions. He has been a mainstay and flourished in both roles.

Ayling said he was delighted with the new deal, accepted last season was not great for him, and felt he had shown he can still play at this level. He stressed the aim is to help return the club to the Premier League. He urged supporters to play their part over the final seven matches and said the squad want to make them special.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk