When will Leonard Ngenge make his Leeds United debut? Coach reveals plan
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has urged patience over the progress of young Nigerian defender Leonard Ngenge following his recent move to the club.
Leeds confirmed the signing of the 18-year-old centre-back earlier this week, with Ngenge joining the club’s Under-21 side after emerging from Remo Stars and representing Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team at the 2024 African Nations Championship.
Speaking at a press conference, Farke made it clear that while every player has a pathway to the senior team, Ngenge will first need to prove himself at youth level before any first-team opportunity is considered.
“Everyone who signs a contract for us, for Leeds United, also has the chance to be involved,” Farke said. “That depends on performances at youth level and on impressing in matches and in training.
“If you earn the chance to train with the first team, then you have an opportunity. But this is also a signing for our Under-21s.”
The German coach explained that the club is in no rush to push the teenager into senior action, stressing the importance of steady development and adaptation.
“There is no plan to be greedy and involve him too quickly,” Farke added. “It is about natural progress. He will be with our youth team, we will give him time to settle, and we are not looking to rush anything with him.”
Ngenge, who can also play at left-back, is seen as a long-term project at Elland Road. Leeds supporters may get their first look at the Nigerian youngster when the Under-21s face Liverpool’s youth side in Merseyside on Sunday.
