AYLING ‘CAN AIM FOR THE TOP AT LEEDS’
LUKE Ayling can be a Premier League footballer with Leeds, according to director of football Victor Orta, after he signed a new long-term deal at the club.
The 26-year-old rightback joined from Bristol City last summer and has established himself as first choice at Elland Road, earning a new four-year deal through to 2021 as a result.
And Orta believes that Ayling has shown enough potential, both as a rightback and as a leader, to prove he is ready to play at the level above.
“Luke has impressed on the pitch but also off it, too,” said Orta.
“He is a leader and a very good person as well.
“I believe that, if he continues to improve the way he has in the past 18 months, then he will be a top-flight footballer. I am confident we can go on that journey together.”
Originally from London, Ayling came through the Arsenal youth set-up before heading to the West Country to play for Yeovil.
Following two years at Bristol City, he earned the move to Leeds.
The full-back revealed he is feeling settled in the area in his second season in Yorkshire.
He said: “It is great to finally get it done. We have been speaking since late August, but obviously there has been a lot going on, with the transfer window.
“My baby has been born here. I’ve bought a house nearby and this really feels like home now.
“Since joining, I feel like I’ve had the right-back spot to myself and fought off some really good full-backs. Hopefully, I can keep doing it.
“We’re going in the right direction. It shows the owner cares about the future of the club. He’s bought the ground back, while the training ground has been done up and players are getting long contracts. It shows he is here for the long run.”