Leeds United defender and ex-Manchester City and Everton prospect Jayden Lienou lands new deal
Leeds United have confirmed a new contract for a highly-rated youth prospect
Leeds United have rewarded highly-rated prospect Jayden Lienou for his progress with a new contract.
The 18-year-old arrived at Elland Road last summer after spells in the academies of Everton and Manchester City.
He has since established himself as a key figure in Scott Gardner’s under-21 side, earning rave reviews in Premier League 2.
A left-back by trade, Lienou was an unused substitute for senior clashes with Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion in May.
Leeds United hand new deal to Jayden Lienou
He only penned a three-year deal last summer, but has now seen his contract renewed for an additional year.
After committing to the Whites until 2029, he said: “It feels amazing - another step in the right direction, and another step towards where me and my family want me to get to in the future.
“I'd say I'm probably further ahead than I thought I was going to be when I first signed for Leeds. When me and Scott sat down at the start of the season we set some goals to get to certain situations, certain milestones in my career and I think I've exceeded that.
“Getting the support from all the different people, the different knowledge, the different views on different points that they can give across just helps you develop as a player, especially coming through as a young player at the club.”
International progress
Lienou is also a Wales youth international and received his first senior call-up in May. Among those he linked up with in Craig Bellamy’s squad were senior Whites trio Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James.
He said: “Representing your country at first-team level, it's a privilege, and obviously not many people get to go on and do that. So being chosen, being selected for the squad is always a positive. I just want to try and play as much as possible and try and kick on.”