Leeds United Secure Young Defender Jayden Lienou from Manchester City

Leeds United have agreed to sign 17-year-old left-back Jayden Lienou from Manchester City for less than £500,000. The talented Welsh youth international is expected to join the club’s U21 side as part of a plan to improve their academy.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Leeds United have completed the signing of Jayden Lienou, a promising left-sided defender who was with Manchester City’s youth team last season after joining from Everton in early 2024. Lienou is already a Wales Under-19 international and is also eligible to play for Cameroon. He will immediately join Leeds’ Under-21 side. Adam Underwood and Andrew Taylor played key roles in securing this move, highlighting the club’s commitment to strengthening its youth ranks. Leeds struck the deal for under £500,000, with Lienou eager to take advantage of the clear pathway to the first team that Leeds offered.

LEEDS’ ACADEMY REBUILD CONTINUES

After a 2024-25 season in which the Leeds U21s finished 17th in Premier League 2 and missed the playoffs, the club has made signing academy players a priority. Lienou’s arrival follows a period of squad turnover, with several young defenders leaving for opportunities elsewhere. The club is also adding Lucas Enahoro-Marcus, formerly of Liverpool, to their reserve defensive options. Leeds hope these moves will improve their standing in youth competitions and produce more players ready for first-team duty in the future.

Leeds United’s central defense was a primary area for improvement.

According to a previous report, Leeds United has prioritized signing academy players to enhance their youth development strategy.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LEEDS AND LIENOU?

Lienou will aim to quickly establish himself in Scott Gardner’s U21 team in Premier League 2, targeting a playoff push after last season’s disappointment. With the senior squad preparing for anotherPremier League season after qualifying in the previous Championship campaign and recently signing Gabriel Gudmundsson at left-back, Lienou will hope that his strong displays can put him in line for senior appearances down the line. Leeds’ U21s will begin their new season in August, with their first fixtures yet to be confirmed as the club eyes a top-half finish and possible playoff berth.