Leeds hand Kenneth Mensah first professional contract – here's why he's one to watch

Leeds United have tied down promising youth star Kenneth Mensah.

The Whites confirmed the 17-year-old had committed his future to the Elland Road club on Monday.

Daniel Farke's side have been active in keeping their biggest talents around, and the four-cap Italy Under-16 star is just the latest.

MOT Leeds News previously shared explainers on Leeds gems like Callum Mills, Loui Whitehead and Luke Matykiewicz.

The Thorp Arch pipeline has been underutilised in recent years, but the hope is that the next generation can step up and make an impact.

The attacker is the latest to sign a professional contract with the Peacocks, and he may be the most exciting one yet.

How long is Kenneth Mensah's new contract at Leeds

The Italian has agreed on a two-year deal with the Whites, just like the others that have been signed up from his scholarship.

Harry Gray is one of them, but he signed a long-term deal rather than the deal which Mensah and his peers have agreed to.

Mensah will be with the LS11 side until 2028, at the very earliest, as a result of the new deal.

Now, the hope will be that he can reach the first-team and prove that he deserves another deal when this one runs out.

Given his exploits already in the youth ranks, there will an expectation that he can actually achieve that.

Why Mensah should be regarded as one to watch at Leeds

The fact that he already has caps for his nation's youth team is encouraging.

However, his versatility may be the best thing about him, as he can play as an attacking midfielder, on the wing or even at right-back.

That will intrigue Farke, and is the main reason why he may be one to watch in the coming years.

He has made 32 appearances for the Under-18s, with seven goals and two assists at that level, which is not a bad record at all.

His four appearances for Scott Gardner's Under-21 side were interrupted by a loan with Scarborough Athletic, where he featured twice.

That slight bit of senior experience will likely leave him wanting more.

What has Mensah said about new Leeds deal?

Mensah has commented on the new deal, confirming his delight at the fact that he is sticking around in Yorkshire.

Speaking to the club's official website, he said: “It feels amazing, it feels really great. I am really proud of myself from where I came from.

“I think over the year, I built my confidence over time. I have been playing and training with the U21s and U18s. I have also scored a couple of goals as well.

“I am very grateful for getting help from the coaches and opportunities given to me. When an opportunity comes, you have just got to take it.”

The last sentence will be of particular interest to Peacocks supporters, and suggests that he has the right mentality to succeed.