The versatile defender is still going strong at 34 and looking to add another Championship promotion to his CV.
Having helped Leeds secure a spot in the Premier League in 2020, Ayling is currently helping Middlesbrough in their quest to return to the promised land.
He has made 36 appearances in the Championship this term and his displays have landed him another year at the Riverside.
Luke Ayling signs new Middlesbrough deal
The right-back has put pen to paper on a deal running until the summer of 2027.
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. Last season wasn’t great for me, and I wanted to show people I could still play at this level, and I’ve enjoyed this season.
“We’re all trying to get this club back where it should be. It’s been a great season so far. We’ve seven games left – the fans have a massive part to play as well – and we want to make those seven games special.”
From Leeds United stalwart to key Middlesbrough figure
Ayling struggled for minutes at Elland Road after Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2023. He had previously been a regular fixture in the Whites defence, proving particularly influential during the Marcelo Bielsa years.
Midway through Daniel Farke’s first campaign at the helm, he was loaned to Middlesbrough to see out the final months of his Leeds deal. After a productive loan stint at the Riverside, he was awarded a permanent contract.
In a farewell message to Leeds, Ayling said: “There are so many highlights from my time at Elland Road and obviously promotion to the Premier League tops them all.
“Those years with Marcelo and the connection we had between the players and the fans was incredible. I’d like to thank all the managers and staff that I have worked with during my time here – but I have to give extra thanks to Marcelo and his team for all they did for my career and my family. I will be eternally grateful.”
His Middlesbrough appearance tally now stands at 85 and his experience could prove crucial in the Championship run-in.
Kim Hellberg’s men sit second in the table, two points ahead of third-placed Ipswich Town and nine points adrift of table-toppers Coventry City.
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