Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde is set to complete a move to Serie A side Salernitana this week – with the report stating the ‘parties are very close’ and want a deal done soon.
Hjelde, 19, has started the first two matches of the season – but was hooked at half-time in both of those, the 2-2 draw against Cardiff and the win over Shrewsbury Town in the Carabao Cup. But he was axed against Birmingham.
The Norway U21 man remained an unused sub as Sam Byram came in, lasting 90 minutes. So, Hjelde has already lost his place in the Leeds side – while he has been linked with Salernitana for the majority of the summer window.
Inside the last two years of his contract, Hjelde now looks set to have played his last game for Leeds. Di Marzio says Salernitana are closing in on four new signings – Hjelde is one of them. It is close, and could be done on Thursday.
It comes after last month, Italian outlet Tutto Salernitana reported that Leeds wanted a fee of £1.75m for Hjelde in the coming weeks – if he was to go. Clearly, a deal has been reached for the ex-Celtic and Ross County defender.
Leeds defender Leo Hjelde set to complete Salernitana move this week
Well, it has been a fun couple of days. Leeds seem to be leaking players. Another one on Monday, Jack Harrison moving to Everton on loan – without an option, but with an active release clause that can be activated at any point.
Hjelde is a talent, but Leeds need better to solve the left-back slot. It is a bizarre turn of events that if Hjelde does go, Byram is the only available, and viable option for the position. Surely, it is a sign Leeds are lining up a signing.
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