Ayling

As he did with so many of his players, Bielsa transformed Ayling from Championship level into a Premier League player. But Bielsa’s gone. And Ayling’s not as young as he was. I’m pleased we’ve extended Ayling’s contract - on the pitch or off, he’s a good influence on the team and a Leeds legend to boot.

Not sure where that leaves RK and Drameh now. Surely one will have to make way. I could never understand us signing RK to begin with. A new LB was a priority.

comment by Outwood White (U9610)
posted 1 hour, 37 minutes ago
Not sure where that leaves RK and Drameh now. Surely one will have to make way. I could never understand us signing RK to begin with. A new LB was a priority.
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Typical of us really, write off a player like Ayling and bring in a replacement when all the world could see we desperately needed a LB

comment by Lorralorimer (U18994)
posted 17 hours, 57 minutes ago
comment by Elsbels - El Jugador (U21658)
posted 3 hours, 29 minutes ago
comment by Batty (U4664)
posted 38 minutes ago
Director of football Victor Orta said: “Luke fully deserves his extension, he remains a key member of the team and his impact off the field is immeasurable.

“Luke is a leader, as well as being a top Premier League footballer.”
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Hold on a second, I thought he wasn't a premier league quality defender, I am confused.
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He's not, but he's a bloody brilliant bloke
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I honestly don't know how you can look at his performances for the club since promotion and think that.

I think Lorra is comparing him with Alexander-Arnold or Reece James and clearly he isn't that good, compare him with someone like Joel Ward or Roerslev both EPL defenders and it is closer.
Would Ayling compare favourably with Connor Roberts, Jayden Bogle or for that matter Cody, first choice RB's at first, second and fifth in the Championship. If your answer is that you'd prefer to have Bill starting than these three, then he is surely EPL quality.

He’s clearly Prem level. The negative is his age.
We have to plan for the day he’s either not Prem
Level any more or just too old. That all depends
On if we stay up. If we’re relegated, and if he
Chooses to stay with us, we should probably plan
To extend his contract further. He’s a leader as
Skubes pointed out. No denying that.

Not sure where this leaves Rasmus or Drameh.

Let's be honest, we know that the older guys will gradually be moved on, Ayling, Klich, Dallas, Cooper.

I'm pretty sure had Rasmussen proven to be decent and Marsch still in job, this extension would not have been offered.

But it goes to show the value of experience and he's proven to be great value for us, scored some cracking goals, helped win us promotion and in our first season back I think should have been knocking on door of England team.

So for situation right now, 2 year extension is good for all of us and I'm glad he's staying.

Agree Jonty

Ayling is only 31.

This isnt Football Manager, players dont instantly become rubbish once they hit 30.

comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 5 hours, 22 minutes ago

So for situation right now, 2 year extension is good for all of us and I'm glad he's staying.
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One year extension to summer 2024