Leeds United agree deal to sign “impressive” versatile defender this summer

Leeds United have agreed a pre-contract for an “impressive” teenage defender who will join the club in the summer, according to a new report.

Struijk disappointed after defensive mix-up in Pompey defeat

Leeds’ lead at the top of the Championship table was all but removed over the weekend as they slipped to an unlikely 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Daniel Farke’s side mostly bossed the game, but were made to pay for spurning their chances when Pompey’s Colby Bishop capitalised on a mix-up in defence to hit the winner in the 61st minute.

The defeat, combined with Sheffield United’s 1-0 win over Preston North End the day before, means the Lilywhites now only lead the Blades at the top of the table on goal difference.

Speaking to LUTV after the defeat to Portsmouth, Leeds defender Pascal Struijk expressed his disappointment that his side, who were previously unbeaten in 17 games, couldn’t walk away with three points.

“We had a few chances and we didn’t score them,” he explained. “Then as well, they are a good side, especially at home. If you look at the home record in 2025, it has been really good. So we knew it was going to be a tough game, just disappointed that we came away with nothing.”

On how Leeds can bounce back from the loss, Struijk said: “Games come really fast, so we have to turn it around quick. We will try to make sure the boys are not too down, we try to keep the spirits high, because the games come so quick.”

Leeds agree pre-contract for Ngenge

It’s not all bad news for Leeds, however, as the Lilywhites will soon have a new player teammate joining Struijk in the defensive ranks at Elland Road. According to All Soccer Nigeria, the Lilywhites have agreed a pre-contract with Nigerian defender Leonard Ngenge, who will join the club in the summer once he turns 18.

Ngenge, who plays for Ikorodu City, is said to be one of the brightest young prospects in the Nigeria Premier Football League, capable of playing centre or left-back.

Speaking with the All Soccer Nigeria, Ikorodu’s sporting director, Wale Quadri, said: “Ngenge has an existing deal with Leeds United, it’s a pre-contract. By August he should be joining Leeds.

“He was scouted in Nigeria and then invited to Leeds for further training. He came back like two weeks ago from Leeds. That should be his second visit to Leeds. He is being signed as a player for the future, they are just waiting for him to turn 18 years.”

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Ngenge has made 18 appearances for Ikorodu this season, scoring one goal and assisting another. After being named in the Team of the Tournament for the 2024 ValueJet Cup back in August, Ikorodu’s first-team analyst took to X to describe Ngenge’s performances in the competition as “impressive,” adding: “What a player!”