Leo Duru

Leo Duru
Personal information
Full name Leonard Chibueze Duru
Date of birth (2005-01-12) 12 January 2005 (age 19)
Place of birth Manchester, England
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s) Right-back
Team information
Current team
Blackburn Rovers
Number 39
Youth career
Manchester United
2015–2024 Blackburn Rovers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2024– Blackburn Rovers 1 (0)
International career
2024– United States U20 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:49, 14 October 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 14:49, 14 October 2024 (UTC)

Leonard Chibueze Duru (born 12 January 2005) is a professional soccer player who plays as a right-back for the EFL Championship club Blackburn Rovers. Born in England, he is a youth international for the United States.

Club career

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Duru was part of the academy at Manchester United before joining Blackburn Rovers as a U10.[1] On 7 July 2021 he signed a scholarship contract with Blackburn and was promoted to their U23s.[2] He signed his first professional contract with the club for one year on 25 May 2023.[3] On 13 May 2024, he extended his contract again until 2026 with an option for another year.[4] He made his senior and professional debut with Blackburn in a 6–1 EFL Cup win over Stockport County on 13 August 2024.[5]

International career

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Born in England, Duru is eligible to play for England, Nigeria and the United States.[6] In October 2024, he was called up to the United States U20s for a set of friendlies.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Blackburn Rovers U18 star Duru on target against former club Manchester United | All Nigeria Soccer". www.allnigeriasoccer.com.
  2. ^ McDougall, John (July 7, 2021). "The 10 Blackburn youngsters aiming to become the next Nyambe or Lenihan". Lancs Live.
  3. ^ FC, Blackburn Rovers (May 25, 2023). "Pro deal for Duru!". Blackburn Rovers FC.
  4. ^ "Exciting Blackburn Rovers youngster sets big target after penning new deal". Lancashire Telegraph. May 14, 2024.
  5. ^ "Blackburn Rovers player ratings as Sam Szmodics and John Buckley stand out". Lancashire Telegraph. August 13, 2024.
  6. ^ "Nigeria considering approach for Blackburn Rovers youngster". Lancashire Telegraph. July 13, 2021.
  7. ^ "Mitrović Call 22 Players for Friendlies Against 2025 U20 World Cup Hosts Chile". YANKS ABROAD. 5 October 2024.
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