Luke Ayling joins Middlesbrough on loan from Leeds

🤍 Forever an #LUFC legend and always welcome at Elland Road, we wish Luke Ayling all the best as he joins Middlesbrough

— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 10, 2024

"Leeds United full-back Luke Ayling has today joined fellow Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough," read a statement from Leeds.

"The 32-year-old moves to the Riverside Stadium for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign, at which point his existing contract at Elland Road will come to an end.

"Joining the Whites from Bristol City in the summer of 2016 for a fee of £500k, Luke, or as he is affectionately known, Bill, would go on to become one of the best ever signings in the club's history.

"Now moving to Middlesbrough on loan, he leaves with the very best wishes of everyone at the club.

"Luke has been a tremendous servant and representative of Leeds United, he has written his name into the history books and is respected by all connected with the club.

"He will always be welcome at Elland Road and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.

"Subject to Luke's availability, we hope he will be able to attend our next home match against Preston North End, on Sunday 21st January, in order for supporters to be able to give him a true Leeds United send off.

"Thanks for everything, Bill."

We've completed the signing of Luke Ayling on loan from Leeds United ✍️

Welcome to #Boro, @lukeayling_8! 🔴⚪️ #UTB

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 10, 2024

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick said: "We're delighted to bring Luke to the club. He is a player with good experience, he's a promotion winner, and he's played at the highest level.

"He's a terrific character as well and we see him as a great fit for what we have here. He's exactly what we're looking for at the club."