Leeds United are reportedly close to securing a future deal for Nigerian left-back starlet, David Ngenge, following an impressive trial at Ikorodu City.
While the 16-year-old has caught the eye of scouts, FIFA regulations prevent him from signing professional terms until he turns 18. As a result, the youngster will have to wait two more years before officially joining the club.
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The delay comes at a crucial time for the Peacocks, who have struggled to find a consistent presence on the left side of their defense for several seasons.
Since stepping in for the injury-prone Sam Byram earlier this year, Junior Firpo has established himself as the first-choice left-back under Daniel Farke. The 28-year-old Dominican has been in fine form, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, there’s growing concern about his future at Elland Road.
If the Peacocks fail to secure promotion, Firpo might seek a new challenge, leaving the club in search of another left-back. The arrival of *Isaac Schmidt* on Deadline Day from St. Gallen provides Farke with an option, but the Swiss full-back is right-footed and may be better suited to the opposite flank.
In the meantime, the club is prepared to play the waiting game with Ngenge, hopeful that he can provide a long-term solution once he arrives. Despite the uncertainty of the next two years, the Whites’ willingness to invest in Ngenge’s potential speaks volumes.
As one insider put it, “Two years is a long time, but finding a solid left-back has been a challenge for far longer. If Ngenge is worth the wait, he could finally bring stability to a position that has been in flux for years.”
With the Peacocks eyeing a return to the Premier League, the potential addition of Ngenge could prove to be a gamble worth taking.
