Wales’ U19 side continued their preparation for next summer’s European Championships with a penalty shootout win over USA, and Leeds United star Jayden Lienou was heavily involved.
Wales will host next summer’s tournament, which will see Europe’s best teenage talent go head-to-head for the European Championships. This month, Wales’ U19 side took part in a mini-tournament to prepare.
A four-nation round-robin, Wales got off to the ideal start last week as Jayden Lienou came off the bench just before the hour mark to secure a 3-2 win. On Saturday, Wales hosted USA at Wrexham’s stadium.
After the two sides played out a 1-1 draw during normal time, the clash went to a penalty shootout. Lienou stepped up to take Wales’ second, and Leeds fans will have been impressed with his spot kick.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty ImagesJayden Lienou scores an impressive Panenka for Wales’ U19 side
Against the Americans, Lienou was in from the start and lasted the entire 90 minutes. The summer signing from Man City played his part as the two nations produced a 1-1 draw, and it went to penalties.
Lienou stepped up to take Wales’ second penalty of the night, and the former Man City youngster slotted a Panenka penalty down the middle to make it 2-2. Lienou’s penalty can be seen at 2:01:30 below.
The win sees Wales take the top spot in the mini-tournament, having beaten Japan in their previous game. Lienou and his Wales U19 side will face Germany on Tuesday night. A third game during the break.
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How much Leeds paid to sign Man City talent Jayden Lienou
Lienou was one of two summer signings made by Leeds’ U21 side, alongside Louis Enahoro-Marcus who had joined the club on a free transfer from Liverpool. Leeds paid a £500,000 fee to City to sign Lienou.
🚨⚪️ EXCL: 17 year old talent Jayden Lienou will join Leeds United for package under £500k from Man City.
Lienku will join up with #LUFC U21 team as Adam Underwood and Andrew Taylor have been key in this deal. pic.twitter.com/2tVkSpGEdh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2025
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The left-back seems to be going from strength to strength following the move, however, starting all eight PL2 games for Leeds under Scott Gardner so far. His penalty shows that confidence is currently flowing.
Interestingly, Lienou is yet to make his professional debut, but with Leeds lacking left-footed cover for Gabriel Gudmundsson, there is certainly a path into the first team if Daniel Farke thinks he is capable.