NafisaLeeds United may be slow movers every window in the transfer market, but they already have one gifted addition confirmed and set to arrive later in the summer.
All attention is on how Leeds intend to boost their survival hopes with fresh recruits for the senior squad, but the academy structure is expected to be strengthened organically through a return to the Premier League.
The club’s capability to attract prospects from around the globe improves when young players see a realistic route to top tier football.
Leonard Ngenge shares training clips in Leeds United gear ahead of August switch:
When Leeds’ social media channels posted a promo of a Red Bull F1 car racing against three of the squad, the comment section was filled with sarcastic remarks about when the first signing of the summer might arrive.
However, the club already have one secured and pre-arranged, in Nigerian youngster Leonard Ngenge, signed on a pre-contract deal ahead of his 18th birthday in August.
The teenage defender caught Leeds’ attention while playing for Ikorodu City in Nigeria, prompting the club to act swiftly to secure his arrival at Thorp Arch.
As he gets closer to completing his move to Elland Road, Ngenge has been using the off-season to train diligently, sharing videos of fitness drills on Instagram, in which he’s wearing Leeds’ training kit:
The post also received likes from Leeds’ youth forwards Harry Gray and Lewis Pirie.
Leonard Ngenge one to monitor as Leeds United deal nears:
Ngenge making the move from Nigeria to West Yorkshire as an 18-year-old means he’s not expected to step into the first team immediately.
However, how he performs early on with the U21 squad next season will offer a strong indication of the talent Leeds have secured.
He clearly possesses the physical tools required to make a swift transition to senior-level football, as already demonstrated in his outings for Ikorodu City.
Nafisa
