Karanka: Ayala contract extension huge for Boro

Talk ahead of the new Premier League season is – as usual – dominated by the ins and outs at the biggest clubs in the division, but Aitor Karanka believes the most important signature Middlesbrough have acquired this summer could be that of one of their own players.

Defender Dani Ayala (above) signed a contract extension on Friday which will keep him at the Riverside until 2020, having featured in 35 of Boro’s 46 Championship matches last season.

Since signing from Norwich in 2014 following a successful loan spell, Ayala has made himself one of the key members of Karanka’s squad, and the Spaniard is relieved to have got his man.

“Dani was here when I have arrived, and we have built this team with players like him. He’s a good example for everyone,” he said.

“There’s a big difference since I first arrived here. Two-and-a-half years later we are playing in the Premier League against the best teams in the world, the best coaches, the best players.

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“I was always confident he would sign – I imagine he never had a doubt. It’s another step, and a really good thing for me and for everybody.”

However, despite securing the services of the PFA Championship Fans Player of the Year for the foreseeable future, Karanka admits the start of the season will come too soon for Ayala.

He did not play a minute of Boro’s pre-season fixtures as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained earlier in the summer, and has already been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Stoke.

Karanka added: “I trust 150 per cent in the medical department and I know that when he is ready he will be with us. I hope that is as soon as possible.

“I am pleased [about the contract] because Dani is an important player for us, but I will be happier when he’s on the pitch.”