Who is Jayden Lienou? The 'high potential' Leeds United youngster eyeing Wales debut vs Romania | OneFootball

Leeds United Under-21s prospect Jayden Lienou could make his senior Wales bow against Romania tonight. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the 18-year-old hopes to feature in the summer friendly.

Wales missed the 2026 World Cup, with June games against Ghana and Romania used for forward planning. Darlow, Rodon, Ampadu and James played against Ghana while Lienou was an unused substitute.

A debut would make Lienou the sixth Leeds player used by Bellamy, alongside that quartet and young midfielder Charlie Crew. He joined Leeds last summer from Manchester City on a three-year deal, having started out at Everton and winning the Under-18 Premier League with City.

Operating at full-back, he impressed for the Under-23s with 19 Premier League 2 outings and one assist. He has also earned 23 youth caps for Wales.

Lienou made the bench for two of Leeds’ final three Premier League fixtures, at Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton. Those chances arrived while fellow full-backs such as Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle were injured.

Bellamy has assessed him for club and country, noting high potential, versatility across roles and strong physical traits. He also underlined the need for development, praised Leeds’ work and said they are monitoring him as he trains with the first team.

James praised Lienou’s season and regular first-team training, saying this week’s experience could help and that familiar faces in camp assist the step up. He felt the teenager deserves the chance and is one for the future.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk