Nigerian defender Leonard Ngenge has expressed excitement following the completion of his transfer from Remo Stars to Leeds United, SportPremi reports.
The 18-year-old sealed a move to the English Premier League club, where he will first join up with the academy, before teaming up with the first team later on.
He has penned a one-and-a half year deal at Elland Road, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season, while an impressive spell could further extend his time.
The defender has enjoyed a meteoric rise in his career and takes a jump abroad just few months after moving to Remo Stars. He made a name for himself with exceptional performances for Ikorodu City in the Nigerian Premier Football League, before joining Remo Stars last summer.
He went on to score on his debut for the Sky Blue Stars in a 4-0 win over US Zilimadjou during a CAF Champions League qualifying match and ends his spell at the club with just seven appearances.
The youngster also represented the Super Eagles B-team at the 2025 African Nations Championship, where he made two appearances before their elimination in the group stages.
Ngenge delighted after Leeds United move
Speaking after signing his contract at the English club, the 18-year-old expressed delight and hopes for a bigger achievement during his time at the club.
“I am excited, it is a big step for me. It is the biggest step of my career right now, and I hope to start perfectly. It is a huge opportunity, and hopefully, I get to utilise my opportunity and do better for the club, represent the club and be part of the great things they set out to achieve”, Ngenge admitted.
“Leeds is a great club. I know they have got tons of history, and I heard about some players like Tony Yeboah from Ghana who scored lots of goals, so I know they are a good club.
I am left-footed, I like to show my tackling abilities, getting the body in the way and doing everything to cover the goalkeeper. I worked hard. The coaches pushed me back home. It was a great part of that. I learned a lot down there”, the defender concluded.
In a statement released earlier in the week, the club confirmed the signature of the Nigerian youngster, who will link up with the academy.
“Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Leonard to the club, where he will link up with the Academy setup.”
