Jayden LienouImago

Leeds United youngster Jayden Lienou suffers familiar tale after UEFA announcement

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Published on:

01 Oct 2026, 11:10 am

Leeds United youngster Jayden Lienou may well consider this a wasted international break.

It says it all about how highly rated the teenage defender is that he is already now a regular in Wales senior squads.

Lienou was first called up by Craig Bellamy in May and likewise for Cymru's four UEFA Nations League fixtures this window.

That comes after a string of impressive performances for Leeds at age-grade level.

Daniel Farke even rewarded the former Everton product with a place in the matchday squad against Tottenham in May.

Like at the end of last season, however, Lienou is not particularly close to featuring in a game for his national despite being called up.

What's the latest on Jayden Lienou's Wales chances?

Lienou was left out of Wales' squad to face Denmark at the weekend.

Bellamy, like all international managers, names a bigger initial squad than needed in case of injuries and suspensions.

That has not been an issue for the Dragons so far, however, and Lienou is again one of three left out for the Norway match in Cardiff on Thursday.

UEFA announced the squad lists on the morning of the game, with Lienou, Charlie Savage, Cameron Congreve and Joe Taylor all absent.

While it is still a positive Lienou is involved in first-team training with some big names, it is not exactly ideal he is not playing at any level over these three weeks.

Why Wales announcement on Jayden Lienou will raise questions at Leeds United

What have Leeds colleagues said about Lienou?

Lienou is highly thought of at Thorp Arch, hence why he has already been included in a matchday squad by Farke.

Daniel James hailed Lienou's "brilliant" impact for the Under-23s last season, while Ethan Ampadu also thinks highly of his compatriot.

"He thoroughly deserves [his senior call-up], James said in May. "He's been great since he's been here and great at Leeds. He's definitely one for the future, a great player."

Ampadu, meanwhile, said: "I see him day in and day out at Leeds, and I know the ability he's got and the levels he can get to.

"He's a hard-working kid. He's young, he's got a lot to learn, but I'm sure he can."

Lienou is definitely one for the future, even if his chance to shine for Wales at a similar age that Ampadu did will have to wait for now.

Cameron Congreve