Leeds United confirm second January transfer with international defender announced
Leeds’ transfer window is really starting to heat up.
Jack Harrison has joined Fiorentina on an initial loan deal, with the Serie A side possessing the option to purchase him from Leeds for £6million.
Meanwhile, things are starting to move on the incomings front too, with Facundo Buonanotte signing on loan from Brighton to finally hand Daniel Farke his first new recruit of the month.
Leeds are also understood to be searching for a centre-forward signing, with Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen strongly linked with a move to Elland Road.
Leeds confirm signing of Nigerian international
When transfer windows roll round, it’s not always about kitting out your first-team squad.
Forward-thinking clubs always have one eye on players that they can sign who may take years before they’re ready to star in the first team, but when they are, the wait can be more than worth it.
Leeds are renowned for their academy system, with the Thorp Arch production line constantly churning out quality young players who go on to have excellent senior careers.
The latest of those could well be Leonard Ngenge, as Leeds have confirmed the signing of the 18-year-old centre-back.
As confirmed via Leeds’ official club website on Tuesday, Ngenge has signed a contract until the summer of 2027, and will go straight into the academy setup.
He joins from Nigerian side Remo Stars, and has already made two caps for Nigeria at international level, with both of those coming in 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Who is Leonard Ngenge?
Ngenge signed a pre-contract agreement with Leeds in March 2025, having held a long-standing interest in the defender.
He couldn’t join the club sooner due to FIFA regulations, but now that he’s 18, his move to Elland Road has now gone through.
A big defender for his age, Ngenge’s physical attributes immediately catch the eye, with his size and power sure to stand him in good stead when it comes to adapting to English football.
Ngenge began his career with Lagos-based Ikorodu City, before moving to Remo Stars, where he made seven appearances in all competitions this season.
He made his first two caps for Nigeria in August last year, in which he played 90 minutes against Senegal and 45 against Sudan respectively in their AFCON group stage qualifying matches.
Describing his attributes in an interview for Leeds’ website, Ngenge said: “I am left-footed, I like to show my tackling abilities, getting the body in the way and doing everything to cover the goalkeeper.”
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