Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes it's fantastic news after Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling pledged their commitment to the club following relegation to the Championship. The Whites defensive duo were influential in Marcelo Bielsa's Championship-winning side back in 2020 and have remained constant figures during three years in the top flight.
Club captain Cooper struggled with injuries last season and made just 18 appearances in the Premier League, while Ayling made 29 in a disappointing campaign. Many Leeds players have question marks over their future at Elland Road, but the latter of the aforementioned duo has already made his stance clear.
Ayling posted on Instagram: "We let this club down. The fans I am sorry we couldn't keep you in the Premier League!!
"All my attention now is to make sure we bounce back straight away! When we got promoted last time we did it without being able to celebrate with our great fans and now that's what I look forward to and dream of doing."
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In response to Ayling's post, Palmer told FLW: “It is fantastic news for Leeds United and their supporters that two players - experienced players like Luke Ayling and the skipper Liam Cooper - have pledged their commitment and future to club even though in the face of them getting relegated to the Championship.
“They have both said they want to stay and help steer the club straight back to the Premier League. These are two committed players and exactly the type of players that you need in the Championship to win football matches.”
