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Luke Ayling makes upbeat Leeds United transfer observation

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Luke Ayling has underlined his belief that Leeds United’s squad is stronger heading into the 2022/23 campaign despite losing Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

Leeds survived on the final day of the Premier League season last year, with a 2-1 win at Brentford steering them to safety.

Phillips and Raphinha have left and linked up with Manchester City and Barcelona respectively, which on the face of things makes Leeds weaker.

As quoted by the Yorkshire Post, Ayling has played down those fears, insisting that the business that Leeds have done has made them stronger overall despite the loss of two important players.

“I hope we have a good season, we have signed a lot of new players.

“We lost two of our most important players but we have signed well and our squad is better this year and hopefully we can have a good season.

“I am just trying to get back fit as soon as I can. I am excited to see all the new lads and how they get on.”

Luis Sinisterra has been signed to replace Raphinha, whilst Tyler Adams and Marc Roca, combined with Darko Gyabi, have been recruited to strengthen the midfield.

Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson has signed, whilst Rasmus Kristensen has come in at right-back and is set to be competing with Ayling for the same position once the 30-year-old has recovered from injury.

Will Kristensen be a good signing for Leeds?

Yes

Yes

No

No

It’s probably a fair assessment from Ayling.

Phillips and Raphinha are two players that were absolutely crucial to Leeds last season and their absent will be a problem for Jesse Marsch if the new signings don’t step up.

However, there can be confidence that what Leeds have done to the squad will stop that happening.

They’ve provided Marsch with depth to replace the quality, with players like Adams, Roca and Sinisterra set to bring their own qualities to hopefully improve Leeds.

The proof is going to be in the pudding when the season kicks off, but at this moment in time, someone like Ayling is best placed to observe what the coming campaign might be like.

It’s encouraging to hear his words here.

Quiz: 15 questions about Luke Ayling – How well do you know the Leeds United right-back?

1 of 20

Did Ayling make any senior appearances for Arsenal?

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.