Nohan Kenneh announced he was leaving Leeds United on a free transfer this summer, joining Scottish side Hibernian – and both Kalvin Phillips and Pascal Struijk have responded. Kenneh was on the verge of a senior debut.
Kenneh, 19, came through the Leeds academy and played a brilliant part in Mark Jackson’s Under-23 side during 2020-21. The Whites gained promotion to the top tier of Premier League 2, as PL2 champions with Kenneh starring.
Either in defence or midfield, the Liberia-born talent’s stamina, physicality and passing was a feature of his game. This season, he has once again been a regular in the second string – playing 25 of his side’s 26 league games.
Kenneh was also closing in on a debut, remaining an unused substitute in 14 of the senior side’s 38 league games. But he failed to get on, and has now confirmed his exit on Instagram – after initial reports regarding his future.
Kenneh confirms Leeds exit: Phillips and Struijk react on Instagram
It has come as a surprise to many. Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth says that Kenneh wanted to go to pursue first-team football. That is, even though Leeds wanted to keep the England Under-17 international.
While it is a blow for Leeds, it is probably the right move for Kenneh. Naturally a centre-back, he is behind Struijk, Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Charlie Cresswell and Leo Hjelde in the pecking order.
But it is still a loss given the potential and talent of Kenneh. He could show Leeds what he is capable of by impressing north of the border. Phillips and Struijk responded to his Instagram post, wishing him well.
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