Who is Carrick Njinko? The Leeds academy star now up for award

Carrick Njinko has been making waves in Leeds United's academy.

Leeds' Under-21 side have played two games so far this season, with one win and one loss.

They sit 14th in the Premier League 2 table, with the right winger being the standout player so far.

He has notched four goals already, in games with West Brom and Liverpool's academy sides.

His form has been noticed from observers outside of the Elland Road club, as the Thorp Arch talent has been nominated for a prestigious award.

MOT Leeds News shares everything fans need to know about Njinko.

Who is Leeds talent Carrick Njinko?

Njinko is a 17-year-old winger, who signed a two-year scholarship with the Whites in 2025.

The English ace has managed four goals and three assists in 36 matches in the Under-18s, before stepping up to the Under-21s with four goals in nine games.

He has now been nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for August.

He is clearly making a big impact in LS11 as Under-21 boss Scott Gardner waxed lyrical about him after the hat-trick against the Baggies.

Speaking to club media after the game, he said: “He has returned after pre-season in a really good manner.

“He is making himself an important and valuable member of the Under-21s squad. It is his job to stay with us and kick on again.

“He has got his three goals which is his reward but it is all the other stuff around the game that I have been really impressed with him in the recent weeks and months.”

Njinko will be hoping to eventually challenge Dan James for a place in Daniel Farke's first-team plans.

Who is he up against for the Premier League 2 award

He is up against several very talented players for the award, so it will not be easy to win it.

Brentford's Kaye Furo has notched four goals and one assists in two matches in the competition.

Luke Howard of Reading managed three assists in two matches, and that is why he is up for the award.

Manchester United gem Jaydan Kamason notched two goals in two games, and is also up for the award.

West Ham talent Josh Landers bagged four goals in two games, so he is also a contender.

Fulham pair Chibby Nwoko and Jayden Quashie notched two assists and three goals respectively, so that explains their nominations.

Sunderland's Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi is the final name on the shortlist and he managed three goals.

That is tough competition for the Leeds academy star, but he will back himself to come out on top.