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View: Leeds United might have to rethink Luke Ayling situation as January transfer window update emerges

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Cody Drameh looks set for a Leeds United exit this January after failing to burst past Rasmus Kristensen or Luke Ayling in Jesse Marsch’s pecking order.

Leeds brought Kristensen to the club to evolve the options at right-back after six years of Ayling serving as first-choice.

Further back, Drameh has been developing and, after an impressive loan spell with Cardiff City last season, felt like he was knocking on the door heading into 2022/23.

However, after just a pair of appearances in the EFL Cup and Premier League, the Yorkshire Evening Post are reporting that a January exit is likely for Drameh as the 20-year old aims to further his career.

When it comes to Ayling, then, Leeds now have a decision to make. His contract is expiring in the summer and it might be that the club have to rethink potentially letting him leave as Drameh gears up for an exit.

Our writers Kris (FA5) and Alfie (N12) discuss that here:

I still think Ayling could well leave in the summer when his contract expires, but the fact we could lose two right-backs in the space of six months means we have to be proactive to resolve it.

We know Drameh is gone, so signing a young option to step into that role when Ayling potentially leaves is the safest way to go.

I wouldn’t have many complaints either way with Ayling, because he’s a great asset to our squad even now, but replacing a second-choice right-back isn’t a nightmare scenario in the summer.

Rasmus Kristensen could still really benefit from having Ayling sticking around though, learning from his experiences at the club.

The big updated Luke Ayling quiz – Can Leeds United fans score 20/20?

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Did Ayling make any senior appearances for Arsenal?

If Drameh leaves, Leeds should be looking to keep Ayling for another 12 months at the very least. That will cover Rasmus Kristensen’s adaptation period in the Premier League and allow Stuart Dallas to regain his fitness without any pressure.

Leeds also then have time to assess the market for a young right-back to replace Drameh, allowing that player in question the time to adapt to the club before too much is asked of him.

Losing Drameh in January, and then Ayling in the summer, significantly weakens Leeds at right-back and leaves them chasing a mid-term target in 2023 when they have so many other areas of the squad that need strengthening.

I was fully in the camp of move Ayling on and bring Drameh through, but that doesn’t feel like it’s going to be given a chance as the latter looks to move on. It’s a u-turn for me, then, when it comes to Ayling and the club might well be thinking the same.

Do you think Ayling will be at Leeds next season?

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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.