Leeds United: BBC Sport pundit reacts instantly as ‘frustrated’ Luke Ayling set for Middlesbrough in January transfer window
We are excited to have Paul Robinson, a former England custodian, join us as an exclusive columnist. Paul will provide his thoughts on the main topics at Leeds United each week.
Paul Robinson believes Luke Ayling has earned the right to choose his future course of action and will have been upset by his lack of playing time at Leeds United.
A medical examination is scheduled on Wednesday morning in preparation for the 32-year-old defender’s loan to Middlesbrough [The Athletic, 10 January]. This move will essentially mark the end of the defender’s seven and a half-year stint at Elland Road, since his contract there ends in the summer.
According to BBC Sport pundit Robinson, the right-back has been “excellent” for the team and is still a “quality” asset off the pitch. However, because he has lost playing time to players like Archie Grey this season, Robinson says the right-back will “look after himself” at this point in his career because a return to the starting lineup is unlikely.
Ayling appeared to be bidding farewell to the supporters in the stands during his final match, which was a late substitution in the FA Cup on Sunday, January 7, against Peterborough United, his 268th game wearing a Leeds United shirt [Leeds Live, 8 January].
“I think Luke will be frustrated by the lack of game time that he’s getting, with Archie Grey playing at right-back and playing so well this season,” Robinson stated in an exclusive interview with MOT Leeds News.
Luke’s injury-plagued season has undoubtedly been erratic, and he hasn’t been able to establish a consistent spot.
But he’s an important team player. Given his background, his dedication to the team, and his length of service, I have no doubt the manager would want to hold onto him.
Not only for his skill on the field, but also for his familiarity with these younger players in the locker room.
Luke, though, will have a tough time breaking back into the starting lineup given the manner Archie Grey has played at right-back.
He will begin to take care of himself at this point in his career, considering if he wants to continue playing or move on.
“I believe that the player’s motivation and aspirations ultimately determine what he wants.” We are aware that he is still a top player in both the Championship and the Premier League.
“Liam Cooper and he have been great for Leeds both on and off the pitch, and I believe they will still have confidence in their abilities.
However, given the length of time he has spent at the club and the respect he has earned, I believe it is only fitting that he determines his course of action.
In related news:
Another Leeds United man in talks to leave the club this week for Championship club – Report
Plymouth Argyle, who are vying for Luke Cundle and Finn Azaz’s spot, is reportedly interested in Leeds United prospect Darko Gyabi this month.
Even if Daniel Farke has been eager to downplay the necessity for moves anytime soon, the Whites still have a lot of work to do in the January window.
Nonetheless, it seems that exits rather than arrivals are more likely this week, especially for bench players who aren’t being evaluated.
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According to Football Insider, Darko Gyabi, a midfielder for Leeds, is targeted by Plymouth Argyle this week in the Championship.
Luke Cundle and Finn Azaz, two midfield loan recruits, have both been recalled to secure moves elsewhere in the division, dealing two severe blows to the Pilgrims.
According to rumours, Gyabi and Plymouth are in talks to relocate temporarily to Devon this month so that Ian Foster, the new manager, has the best opportunity of keeping the team out of the bottom three.
Gyabi has only made two appearances this season, and if he had been let to depart in the summer, his campaign may have been very different.
Swansea City, Fleetwood Town, and Southampton-owned French team Valenciennes all expressed interest on deadline day, with the latter submitting a £5 million permanent offer.
The teenage midfielder stayed put for the first half of the season as the club rejected these proposals as the deadline approached.
Leeds should be quite proud of Azaz and Cundle’s growth as a result of these rumoured discussions.
Plymouth would provide Gyabi with the playing time he so sorely needs to continue his development.
They are in need of bodies in the midfield, and Gyabi would benefit greatly from a weekly playing assignment at this club.
