‘Another Step In The Right Direction’ – Leeds United Talent Delights After Committing | OneFootball

Carl Recine/Getty Images

Jayden Lienou has admitted that it feels like ‘another step in the right direction’ after putting pen to paper on a new deal with Leeds United.

The Wigan-born left-back was snapped up by Leeds United from Manchester City in the summer of 2025, as the club wanted to improve their Under-21 academy’s defence.

The Whites paid approximately £500,000 to sign the 18-year-old, and following a strong season with the Under-21s, he is in the first team mix too.

The 18-year-old made 27 appearances in all competitions in the recent campaign and also chipped in with an assist, while playing 1,646 minutes in the Premier League 2.

Now, Lienou has signed a three-year deal with the club, and believes it is ‘another step in the right direction’ to achieve the future he and his family want for him.

The Welsh left-back also believes that he has exceeded his own expectations and feels he is further ahead in terms of his footballing journey.

Besides that, he has also credited the support that Leeds United have provided him to enhance his development as a young player at the club.

Lienou said on Leeds United’s website: “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 Gardner 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.”

Lienou’s development and performances with Leeds United have not gone under the radar, as the 18-year-old was called up to the senior Wales squad in June, though he was an unused substitute during the friendly match.

The Wales national team have several players from Leeds United, and Leinou will find similar faces in the shape of Ethan Ampadu and Dan James.

Now, Leinou will want to continue his development under the guidance of Under-21 manager Gardner at Leeds United.