Leonard Ngenge has signed a pre-contract to join Leeds United in two years, according to Alan Nixon.
The Sun journalist posted on X (1 September) in a follow-up to an article on his Patreon page, stating that the Whites were pursuing a deal to sign the Nigerian left-back starlet from Ikorodu City after a successful trial.
However, due to FIFA rules on the signing of young players, the 16-year-old can not sign official professional terms until he is 18 [Sun on Sunday, 1 September], barring him from joining the club for another two years.
Leonard Ngenge to seal Leeds United transfer
Two years is certainly a long time in football, but it’s been much longer than that since the Peacocks experienced a full season with a clear first-choice on the left side of their defence.
Since displacing Sam Byram in Daniel Farke’s starting XI at the turn of the year following an injury-blighted period, Junior Firpo’s form has made him the go-to left-back pick at Elland Road.
Pre contract signed https://t.co/9as9kgubGi
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) September 1, 2024
However, the 28-year-old Dominican is out of contract at the end of the season [Yorkshire Evening Post, 13 June], and although his form early in the campaign has been impressive, another failed promotion bid could well see him move on.
Isaac Schmidt’s Deadline Day arrival from Swiss side St. Gallen gives Farke an option to replace Firpo at left-back, but given he’s right-footed, Schmidt may be better utilised on the opposite side long-term.
Plenty could happen between now and Ngenge finally arriving at Elland Road – not least the prospect of a Premier League return – but given the club are prepared to wait two years to sign the Nigerian, he could well prove to be worth the gamble.
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