Leeds United fans appeared to not be too enthused when the club bought Luke Ayling from Championship rivals Bristol City.
Since Luke Ayling arrived at Leeds last summer, it is fair to say that the right-back has established himself as a key player for the Whites and one that is extremely popular with the Elland Road faithful.
Ayling cost just £750,000 – according to the Daily Mail – and it took little time for that fee to look like one of the biggest bargains Leeds have landed for a number of years.
His consistency at right-back has made him one of the first names on the teamsheet, and the supporters could probably count on one hand the amount of times Ayling has been below par from the 53 Championship appearances he has so far made for Leeds.
But, interestingly, the reaction from the Whites fans when the club announced last August that they had signed the defender from Bristol City was significantly more lukewarm.
Some supporters were disappointed that the arrival of Liam Bridcutt – which would come later in the month – was not being announced, while others questioned whether the 26-year-old was a marquee addition that would strengthen the defence.
But Ayling has proved many wrong with his form during his time with the club. Here is a reminder of the reaction when the announcement was made that the former Arsenal trainee had joined…
The way that Ayling has won underwhelmed supporters round should perhaps inspire teammate Felix Wiedwald following the criticism the goalkeeper received after Leeds’ defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.
It will, of course, be much tougher for the German as much of the lack of excitement surrounding Ayling’s deal seemed to stem from the fact that he had not really been a household name before his arrval, whereas Wiedwald has already enjoyed a run in the Leeds team so perceptions will be more difficult to change – but that is a challenge the stopper now needs to rise to.
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