Luke Ayling has shared an insight into why he chose to join Middlesbrough this summer despite interest from Sheffield United.
Boro have had a fairly quiet summer transfer window so far compared to previous years.
Middlesbrough have made plenty of transfers under Kieran Scott, with 14 players arriving during the 2023/24 campaign.
So far this year though, Middlesbrough have signed three first-team players. Said additions are Luke Ayling, Aidan Morris, and Delano Burgzorg.
Burgzorg scored his first-ever Middlesbrough goal against Bolton Wanderers this past weekend, while Morris also looked sharp in the game.
As for Ayling, Boro fans are already familiar with what the veteran right-back while bring to the Riverside Stadium in the coming season.
Following an injury crisis at the back, Michael Carrick signed Ayling on loan from Leeds United in the second half of 2023/24.
Luke Ayling explains why he joined Middlesbrough over Sheffield United
Ayling provided a staggering eight assists in 19 league games during his brief loan stint in the North East.
As a result, it was a major boost when the former Leeds man re-signed for the Teessiders on a free transfer in the current window.
The Northern Echo report Ayling had a number of suitors this summer, including the recently relegated Sheffield United.
However, the 32-year-old has since explained why he opted to return to Middlesbrough for the 2024/25 Championship season.
He said: “I spoke about it when I first re-signed, there was other clubs sniffing about, but for me, being part of something here, at a club that is looking up instead of down, it was a no-brainer.
“It’s a young coaching staff and a young squad, and I’m proud to be part of that and I hope I can bring my level of experience to that young squad to contribute.”
Middlesbrough defender to miss start of 2024/25
Ayling was loaned to fill the void at right-back brought about by injury issues last season and will have to do the same this year.
Tommy Smith, the club’s primary right-back in 2022/23, missed a good chunk of the previous campaign due to injury.
And speaking recently, Carrick confirmed that Smith is expected to miss Middlesbrough’s Championship opener versus Swansea City.
The defender is still recovering from the issue that kept him out last term and is yet to join full first-team training during pre-season.