English professional football player Luke David Ayling was born on August 25, 1991. He currently plays defense for
Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship while on loan from Leeds United. He can play as a center-back even
though he typically plays right-back.
Ayling joined Arsenal at the age of eight to start his career there. Before he signed his first professional contract in
July 2009, he was a member of the 2008–09 Arsenal youth team that finished second in the league. In March 2010,
Ayling played four games for Yeovil Town after being loaned out. He and Yeovil reached a long-term agreement at
the conclusion of the season. Following four seasons at Yeovil, Ayling joined Bristol City, where he remained until
2016, when he signed a contract with Leeds United. Under manager Marcelo Bielsa, Ayling was a stalwart as Leeds
won the 2019–20 EFL Championship.
London’s Lambeth is where Ayling was born.[2] Despite being a Chelsea fan, he joined Arsenal at the age of 8. He
went through the youth teams, playing alongside Kyle Bartley and Jack Wilshere, and in the summer of 2007, he
signed scholarship forms with the squad.[6] While still in school, Ayling made appearances for the Reserves. He also
played a significant role in the Arsenal junior team’s 2008–09 Premier Academy League and FA junior Cup winning
squad, where he formed a vital defensive partnership with Kyle Bartley.[7] Ayling earned his first professional deal
with Arsenal in July 2009.[6][8]
The 2009–10 year was Ayling’s only call-up to the first team. On December 9, 2009, Ayling was not utilized as a
substitute in the Greek team Olympiacos’ 1-0 dead rubber loss in the UEFA Champions League group stage.[9] After
his contract expired in June 2010, Ayling left the team.[10]
