Mateusz Klich posts six-word reaction to Luke Ayling leaving Leeds United

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Leeds United have allowed Luke Ayling to leave the club with the defender signing for Championship rivals Middlesbrough on Wednesday.

Leeds fans will remember the Marcelo Bielsa era forever, especially the promotion-winning 2019-20 season.

Bielsa took Leeds back to the big time, improving a number of players who had been solid Championship players under other managers.

Luke Ayling fits that bill having kicked on to eventually become a Premier League regular under Bielsa.

Leeds pounced to sign Ayling from Bristol City back in 2016 in a deal worth around £200,000.

The defender has gone on to play more than 250 games for Leeds whilst becoming a fan favourite – but the time has come for him to move on.

Mateusz Klich reacts to Luke Ayling leaving Leeds United

HITC Football reported on Wednesday that Ayling was on the verge of a move to Championship rivals Middlesbrough.

That move has now been confirmed with Ayling joining Boro until the end of the season.

The switch will take Ayling up until the end of his Leeds contract, meaning he has almost certainly played his final game in a Leeds shirt.

Ayling’s exit is an emotional one for Leeds fans, the defender himself and even former teammate Mateusz Klich.

The Polish midfielder made a difficult departure of his own in 2023, leaving Leeds for D.C. United as Bielsa’s promotion-winning side began to break up.

Leeds posted a video thanking Ayling for his service to the club after confirming his departure, sparking a reaction from Klich.

The 33-year-old replied to the video by saying ‘I am not crying you are’, showing his love for Ayling and their time together at Elland Road.

The pair enjoyed some great times together at Leeds but their departures have been tough to take.

Leeds fans certainly love both Ayling and Klich, and we are sure both of them will be back at Elland Road one day in the future.

For now, it’s time for other players to step up and become Leeds heroes like Ayling and Klich in the coming months and years.