Several Leeds United players are currently away on international duty as preparations continue ahead of the World Cup. With the domestic season now over, national teams have been free to call up players for upcoming fixtures.
Many of those selected are expected to feature in World Cup preparations after their countries confirmed tournament squads. Others have been handed opportunities to impress as managers of nations that failed to qualify look to assess younger talent and fresh options.
Wales recently called up Leeds United youngster Jayden Lienou for Tuesday’s friendly against Ghana.
Craig Bellamy praises promising Leeds United talent
The call-up came as a surprise to some supporters, given that Lienou did not make a senior appearance for Leeds during the 2025/26 campaign.
However, after closely monitoring the young defender’s progress, Wales manager Craig Bellamy believes the teenager has a bright future ahead.
“I’ve watched him a little with Leeds Under-21s and he’s done very well throughout the Wales youth setup, but he’s definitely a player we rate highly,” Bellamy said during his pre-match press conference.
“If an opportunity opens up, why wait? Let’s bring him in. We believe this young player has a genuine chance of making a significant impact. Of course, there are still aspects of his game that need refining if he’s to become a top-level international, but the development we’ve seen so far—largely thanks to the work being done at Leeds—has been extremely encouraging.
“We see a player with enormous potential who could become very important for us in an area of the pitch that will be crucial moving forward.”
Bellamy continued his praise, adding:
“When I first watched him, I thought, ‘Wow, this kid is excellent.’ The reports I received beforehand had already made me excited to see him, and when I finally did, he exceeded expectations. He’s also been training with Leeds’ first team, so he’s certainly someone we’re keeping a close eye on.”
What could next season hold for Jayden Lienou?
Lienou joined Leeds United from Manchester City in July 2025 and arrived with a strong reputation as one of Wales’ most highly regarded young prospects.
Daniel Farke showed confidence in the defender by including him in the matchday squad for Leeds’ final two matches of the season after several impressive performances in training.
Bellamy’s glowing assessment has only added to the growing excitement surrounding the 18-year-old’s future.
With Gabriel Gudmundsson currently lacking a natural left-footed deputy, Lienou could have a genuine pathway into the first-team picture if Leeds decide against signing additional cover in that position this summer.
It will be fascinating to see how Leeds manage the youngster’s development and what role, if any, he is given in the senior squad next season.
