SMART MOVE: MOST amazing news as Leeds United secure Academy GEM signature two days after transfer window closes… Elland’s Road Future in the safe hands.
A journalist from The Sun posted on X (1 September) following up on an article from his Patreon page, stating that Leeds United were looking to sign Nigerian left-back starlet Leonard Ngenge from Ikorodu City after a successful trial.
However, due to FIFA regulations on signing young players, the 16-year-old cannot sign official professional terms until he turns 18 [Sun on Sunday, 1 September], which means he wouldn’t be able to join the club for another two years.
Leonard Ngenge set for Leeds United transfer
Two years is a long time in football, and it’s been even longer since Leeds had a consistent first-choice left-back. Junior Firpo has become the go-to option on the left side of defense after displacing Sam Byram in Daniel Farke’s starting XI earlier this year, despite battling injuries. However, with Firpo’s contract expiring at the end of the season [Yorkshire Evening Post, 13 June], and given his strong but potentially fleeting form, another failed promotion could lead to his departure.
The Deadline Day signing of Isaac Schmidt from Swiss side St. Gallen provides Farke with another left-back option, but as Schmidt is right-footed, he might be better suited for the opposite side in the long run.
Much could change between now and when Ngenge eventually arrives at Elland Road—especially if Leeds returns to the Premier League. Still, the club’s willingness to wait two years for the Nigerian youngster suggests he might be worth the gamble.
