Highly rated Nigerian defender Leonard Ngenge set to take a major step in his young career after joining English side Leeds United. The club on Tuesday announced the youngster will initially link up with the club’s academy until the end of the season, with a clear pathway to the first team next term.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, a source close to the deal confirmed that Leeds United had been working on the transfer long before it became public knowledge.
“We have been in touch with Leeds United for the past year and a half after they showed interest in the young lad,” the source exclusively revealed to Footy-Africa. “There was already a pre-contract in place for him, and now we are able to activate it.”
The source also highlighted Ngenge’s versatility and key attributes.
“He is a good defender who can play across the backline, but he prefers to operate in central defence, where his ball-passing ability usually stands out. Leo is tall, strong in the air, and even though he is still developing, he is clearly one for the future.”
Interest in the defender extended beyond England, with clubs in Belgium and Austria also monitoring his progress. However, Leeds’ long-term plan proved decisive.
“A few clubs have been interested in him for a while, but like I said, we have been in contact with Leeds United for almost two years. They have a clear pathway for his development and progression to the first team,” the source said.
“I am glad we have been able to make it happen after the initial agreements. Now it is left for him to show what he can do and earn his chance at the senior level. I believe he can succeed at the top level but he has to work hard and prove it himself.”
The 18-year-old centre-back has been on the radar of the English club for some time, and the move now brings an end to months of quiet planning behind the scenes. Leeds have long admired Ngenge’s profile and believe his development trajectory fits perfectly with their vision of grooming young talent for senior football.
✍️ #LUFC Academy is pleased to announce the signing of Leonard Ngenge, who has penned a deal until the end of the 2026/27 season
— Leeds United Academy (@LUFCacad) January 20, 2026
Ngenge rose to prominence during the 2024 Nigerian Premier Football League season with Ikorodu City, where his composure, physical presence and reading of the game quickly caught attention.
The left-footed centre-back then linked up with Nigerian champions Remo Stars this season as part of their CAF Champions League campaign, offering him valuable exposure against continental opposition.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising young defenders, Ngenge’s performances did not go unnoticed at international level. He earned a call-up to the Nigerian squad ahead of the Africa Nations Championship, making his debut against Senegal before picking up a second cap against Sudan.
