Why Leeds United fans need to sit up and take notice of Carrick Njinko

Leeds United's fabled academy system appears to have produced its latest gem in Carrick Njinko.

Thorp Arch has been the architect behind some fantastic professional careers.

Jonathan Woodgate, James Milner, Kalvin Phillips, Harry Kewell, Alan Smith, Aaron Lennon and Archie Gray: the list goes on, and on

Leeds' Under-21s had a disappointing 2025-26 season, however, finishing 25th of 29 in Premier League 2 (PL2).

However, Scott Gardner's side were able to begin 2026-27 in strong fashion on Sunday.

West Bromwich Albion were the Whites' opening-day opponents for the new PL2 campaign, with Njinko stealing the headlines.

Who is Carrick Njinko? The Leeds talent who shone vs West Brom

As outlined above, Leeds' academy has produced some fantastic forwards over the years.

It looks as though another one could be set to come off the Thorp Arch production line, too.

Leeds' U21s' beat West Brom 4-3 on Sunday, but it was striker Njinko who made the day his own.

He netted a hat-trick against the Baggies, and as detailed in an X post from The Talent Hunter, these are his first goals at U21 level.

The 17-year-old has played a handful of U21 games previously, but has spent the last two seasons with Leeds turning out for the U18's.

But why were his West Brom exploits a clear sign that this teenager is one who is a rapidly improving talent?

Njinko is already staring down 2025-26 goals tally

As aforementioned, Njinko was kept to U18 football with Leeds in 2025-26.

However, despite still only being 17 and eligible to stay at that level, Whites coaches clearly feel he's progressed beyond those confines now.

As per FotMob, he failed to find the net in any of his five PL2 games for the U21s last term, whilst also netting twice in 22 U18 Premier League outings.

He added a further two goals to his tally in the FA Youth Cup last season, taking his total number of strikes to four in all competitions in 2025-26.

So, the fact he's already on three after the opening PL2 clash of 2026-27, at U21 level no less, suggests he is indeed developing into a very smart young player.

Perhaps, then, in a few years' time when Dominic Calvert-Lewin's successor needs to be found, Njinko may be ready to have a real go at taking that role.