Why Leeds United should sign Middlesbrough’s Daniel Ayala

According to Express, Leeds United are considering a move to sign Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala at the end of the campaign.

Ayala, 29, came through the ranks of Sevilla’s youth system and joined Liverpool in 2007. After failing to make an impression at Anfield, he went out on several loan spells before becoming a regular member with Middlesbrough. He has made 25 appearances this season but was left out of the squad for the second half of the campaign before the league got suspended.

And with his contract coming to an end in the summer with the Championship side, Leeds should make a move for the Spaniard in the summer.

Marcelo Bielsa has done an incredible job with Leeds this season and has helped them to the top of the Championship table. They are leading West Brom by one point at the top of the table.

As they are seven points clear of the play-offs, the manager should look to strengthen the squad for next season. One key area where Bielsa should concentrate on is central defence. Ben White, Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi are the only central defenders available at the manager’s disposal.

They have done a brilliant job at the back, conceding only 30 goals in 37 games and boast of the best defensive record in the second-tier. However, their success could be shortened if they don’t bring in reinforcements to their backline as White, who is on loan, would return to Brighton.

Swiss international Berardi is also on the verge of an exit away from Elland Road as his contract with Leeds expires in the summer. Thus, adding an experienced defender would be a wise decision.

Ayala would add a wealth of experience to Leeds if he joins them. He has chalked up 291 career appearances and has featured in English football in his entire professional career. The Spaniard would definitely add depth to the squad and in his sixth season in the Riverside stadium, he has already featured 25 times.

The former Liverpool man would undoubtedly bolster Leeds’ defence while adding the much-needed depth to Bielsa’s squad. At 29, he still has a lot to offer at a higher level and could be a boost to the squad given that White is only on loan at the club.

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Verdict

With his experience, Ayala could be a valuable addition to the team and could provide them with stability at the back. And he would also cost the Leeds hierarchy almost nothing as he would become a free agent by the end of the campaign. Therefore, the Whites should be able to lure the Spaniard to Elland Road at the earliest.