Leeds United is reportedly prepared to extend Luke Ayling’s contract for an additional year, as revealed by sources at TEAMtalk. Under the guidance of manager Daniel Farke, Leeds has shown signs of stability, impressing fans with its playing style and no-nonsense approach to handling players. The team entered the recent international break while holding fifth place in the league, with five wins and just two losses in 11 games.
Despite being nine points away from the second automatic promotion spot, currently held by Ipswich, there’s growing optimism at Elland Road that Farke can lead Leeds back to the Premier League. A challenging fixture against Farke’s former club, Norwich, is on the horizon, and it will serve as a litmus test for Leeds’ promotion aspirations.
Leeds aims for a third consecutive win in the Championship, with just one setback against Southampton in recent matches. The team’s lineup in the last game against Bristol City featured only one outfield player, Pascal Struijk, who played a key role in their promotion under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020.
Three experienced players from that promotion season, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, and Stuart Dallas, are out of contract next summer and could leave on free transfers. However, TEAMtalk sources have revealed that Ayling has been informed by Leeds that he will be offered a contract extension in January.
Although Ayling may not be the force he once was, he remains one of Farke’s most trusted players, with 11 appearances this season. Farke believes that experienced voices are essential for promotion, whether in the Premier League or Championship, and Ayling, who is settled in the city with his family, is willing to negotiate for a new deal.
In contrast, decisions on the futures of Cooper and Dallas, both out of contract in 2024, have not been finalized. Dallas has been sidelined since April 2022 due to a double leg fracture, and Leeds is being cautious with his rehabilitation. Cooper, the longest-serving player at Leeds, is no longer the first-choice defender, but Farke appreciates his authority within the club.
Cooper was previously sought after by Saudi Arabian second-tier side Al Qadsiah, but a foot injury derailed the move. Talks about extending Cooper’s contract may begin in January to gain clarity on Leeds’ plans. Leeds might consider offering him a new 12-month deal to keep him at the club until 2025. However, the decision is still pending.