Daniel Farke opens up on Luke Ayling leaving Leeds United for Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Luke Ayling made the switch from Leeds United to Middlesbrough last January

Daniel Farke has explained why Leeds United sanctioned the departure of Luke Ayling to Middlesbrough last January.

The defender is set to make his Elland Road return this evening with Michael Carrick’s side preparing to face the Whites in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Ayling spent eight years with the Yorkshire outfit before joining Boro at the start of the calendar year on an initial loan that has since become permanent.

The 32-year-old was instrumental in Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, but had fallen down the pecking order prior to his move to the Riverside.

He made just 14 appearances in the Championship before making the switch to Middlesbrough (all stats from Fbref).

Farke explains Luke Ayling transfer decision

Farke has revealed that the decision to let Ayling go was driven by the player seeking regular game time.

The Leeds boss has claimed he wanted to show a club legend his due respect so granted him his wishes despite lacking cover at right-back.

"When he came and asked if he could leave, he wanted more playing time as his contract was running out,” said Farke, via Teesside Live.

“We were a little bit short in the right-back position, but we thought he earned that.

“We allowed him this move as he’s done so much for the club.

"It’s always better for a club legend to more or less finish his time when you have done so well for a club, instead of everyone saying ‘he should have finished his career two years earlier.’

“From both sides, him and us, it was a perfect ending of a great legendary time here."

Ayling has gone on to feature 20 times in the Championship for Carrick’s side, starting in each appearance, providing an impressive eight assists.

Boro will be aiming to fight for promotion to the Premier League this year, with Leeds also set to be in the top six mix this year.

Leeds United’s right-back cover

Losing Ayling did leave Leeds without a lot of cover at right-back, which forced Archie Gray into the position from midfield at times in the second half of last season.

However, Jayden Bogle has since been signed from Sheffield United, and the 24-year-old made his debut for the Whites last weekend in their opening league game.

A 3-3 draw against Portsmouth at home was not the start to the season that Farke’s side would’ve been hoping for, as they look to gain a place back in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Ayling played the full 90 minutes of Boro’s 1-0 victory over Swansea City.

Ayling move has worked out for all parties

Ayling was a fantastic servant for Leeds during his time at the club, but it was clear he was never going to be a consistent option in the side for Farke.

Allowing him the chance to earn more playing time elsewhere, even a potential promotion rival for this season, was a nice gesture towards the player.

Ayling has done well in Carrick’s side, and has earned the regular playing time that he wanted from Leeds.

His signing as a free agent has proven a smart bit of business for Middlesbrough, and he will now be a key part of any promotion push this season.