Former Leeds United player Paul Robinson believes that defender Luke Ayling should be offered a new deal, but only if the vice-captain wants to be at the club.
This comes after news earlier this season that Daniel Farke had greenlit a contract extension for the 32-year old. Ayling has been a great servant for the club since arriving in 2016. He remains one of the longest serving players at the club alongside club captain Liam Cooper.
However, in recent weeks, Ayling has found himself out of the starting XI; the player has started only one game since the first week of October. This has prompted Robinson to question if Ayling wants to be at a club where he doesn’t play often:
“Whether he at this stage of his career wants to continue playing, or is happy with a bit-part role knowing that his contract’s coming to an end, maybe there are pastures new that he wants to explore at this stage to keep playing.” he said, speaking to MOT Leeds News.
“I don’t think there would be anybody in a Leeds United supporter capacity that would begrudge him a move with him not playing football. But I’m sure that everybody would be delighted if he penned a new contract. This is a space to watch.”
“I’m of the opinion that if he’s wanting to stay and willing to stay then absolutely give him a new contract and get him in as an integral part of the squad. But also if the manager’s not playing him and he isn’t getting his game time, from your own personal point of view, you could understand that he wants to go and play football at his age.”
The Whites are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing draw away to Rotherham as they face Swansea midweek.
