Rob Edwards could give Luke Ayling Middlesbrough lifeline by making one change this summer

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Middlesbrough signed Luke Ayling permanently in the 2024 summer transfer window, but he could leave in the coming months.

Boro landed Luke Ayling on loan in the second half of 2023/24, and the Leeds United man excelled.

Luke Ayling Middlesbrough stats 2023/24:

• Appearances – 19
• Goals – 0
• Assists – 8

As a result, it wasn’t surprising to see Middlesbrough then return for the right-back on a free transfer at the end of 2023/24 when his Leeds deal was up.

Ayling’s form across the most recent campaign was less impressive, and his goal contributions reduced dramatically.

Luke Ayling Middlesbrough stats 2024/25:

• Appearances – 26
• Goals – 0
• Assists – 2

EFL Analysis has since learned that Middlesbrough could move Ayling on in the current transfer window.

How Rob Edwards could use Luke Ayling at Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough fans reacted to a potential Ayling exit, with several questioning the decision to give the 33-year-old a two-year deal.

The right-back has failed to match the heights he reached during his temporary loan, but incoming Boro manager Rob Edwards could offer the player a lifeline.

Edwards has enjoyed success at Luton Town previously by deploying a back-three/five formation.

Should he make a change at the Riverside and switch away from Michael Carrick’s preferred four-man defence, Ayling could land a new, more suitable role.

Most fans probably believe the Englishman no longer has the legs to start at full-back and would certainly struggle as a wing-back in a five.

But switching the experienced defender into a right-sided centre-back role in a three could be ideal.

Ayling has played at centre-back at times for Boro due to injury, and his displays were mixed. But a three-man backline would offer him much more protection and certainly hide his limited pace.

Which right-backs do Middlesbrough want

Should Ayling leave or be moved into a centre-back role in 2025/26, Boro will need to replace him.

With Anfernee Dijksteel now leaving as a free agent, Middlesbrough are ‘desperate’ to sign a right-back.

On that front, we previously shared that Plymouth Argyle’s Bali Mumba is a player the Teessiders like.

Elsewhere, Middlesbrough have looked at two Chelsea full-backs in Josh Acheampong and Alfie Gilchrist.