Jonathan Leko

Jonathan Kisolokele Leko (born 24 April 1999) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for West Bromwich Albion. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he grew up in England from the age of eight.

West Bromwich Albion

Leko has been with the club since the age of 11. He was included in West Brom's 2015 pre-season tour of Austria, making an appearance against Red Bull Salzburg by coming off the bench in a 3–1 loss for the Baggies. Leko made his professional debut on 23 September 2015, coming off the bench in a League Cup defeat to Norwich City. On 2 April 2016, he was named in the matchday squad against Sunderland as a substitute, later coming on for Saido Berahino in the 78th minute and making his Premier League debut at just 16 years and 344 days. Leko was also the first player to be born in 1999 to make an appearance in the Premier League. He made his first start for West Brom on 30 April 2016 against West Ham United becoming the first player born in 1999 to start in the Premier League. He made his first Premier League assist in a 1–1 draw against Liverpool, setting up Salomon Rondon's goal with a great solo run. Prior to the match, Leko was awarded West Brom's Young Player of the Season award. On 28 June 2016, he signed his first professional contract with the club, a three-year deal which runs through to the summer of 2019.

Leko got his first assist of the 2016–17 season on 24 September 2016 against Stoke City taking a corner which was headed in by Salomón Rondón in the 91st minute to secure a 1–1 draw for West Brom.

English national youth teams

Leko has represented England at under-16 and under-17 levels. He assisted and scored for England U17s in a 3–1 win over Turkey U17s moving England one step closer to the under-17 European Championships in a crucial qualifier. Leko's club team West Brom pulled the player out of England's squad for the 2016 U17 Championships so he could play in the final two games of the Premier League season. On 24 August 2016, Leko was called up to the England U18 team for the first time. He appeared in both games.

Leko arrived in England from the Democratic Republic of Congo at the age of eight, when his father was granted asylum.

As of matches played 17 December 2016.

Individual

• West Bromwich Albion Young Player of the Season: 2015–16