In the summer, Middlesbrough will have to make decisions regarding the futures of several players.
A number of players have contracts expiring at the end of this season, so choices about who will remain at The Riverside Stadium will need to be made.
The problem of loan players is another. Michael Carrick has access to four loanees in his current first team roster.
There may be disagreements over whether Middlesbrough ought to pursue new agreements for any of those players as a result.
Currently, it appears that there is a perception that a new agreement involving Luke Ayling is imminent.
Middlesbrough told to give Luke Ayling a new contract
Ayling moved to The Riverside Stadium in January, where he was placed on loan until the end of the campaign.
Moving from Leeds United, where his contract is due to expire in the summer, is the right-back.
That implies that by the summer, he will be free to sign with any team. Journalist and Middlesbrough supporter Phil Spencer has now proposed that the team should seize this opportunity by extending a contract offer to the thirty-two-year-old.
Speaking with X, he shared his opinions about the likelihood of Ayling receiving a new contract.
“I would extend Luke Ayling’s contract past the summertime. Even though his legs might not be as strong as they once were, he is still a class act, a leader, and a quality operator who will be invaluable to us going forward. He might be a major player if he can slightly modify his style of play.
At the moment, Middlesbrough is eight points outside the play-off spots in the Championship, sitting in 11th place. On Tuesday night, they will play their next game away at Birmingham City.
New Luke Ayling contract could make sense
When summertime rolls around, it might make sense for ‘Boro to offer Ayling a new contract.
The right-back has had a mixed start to his tenure with the team, but he is now beginning to have an influence.
In his past two Middlesbrough games, he has now contributed two assists, garnering praise for his efforts.
He might become a crucial member of the team to have around if this move can help him perform at his peak.
He did, in fact, have success at this level during his Leeds United career. Considering that Middlesbrough aspires to return to the Premier League, his experience and background may prove invaluable.
Ayling’s contract at Elland Road expires in the summer, so he will be free to sign with any team.
This will lessen the financial risk associated with such a move as well. In light of everything, it would seem reasonable for Middlesbrough to try to get Ayling a longer contract come summertime.
