Andrea Radrizzani is reportedly keen on raiding Leeds United for trio Leo Hjelde, Diogo Monteiro and Mateo Joseph on loan this summer, and luring them to Andrea Pirlo’s Sampdoria – but it would be a mistake for left-back Hjelde.
Radrizzani has got to work as Sampdoria chairman, installing Pirlo as manager as the club look to gain an instant return to Serie A, following relegation. Il Secolo say Radrizzani could now use his links at Leeds for three transfers.
It is claimed he wants Monteiro, a centre-back signed in January from Swiss side Servette. Monteiro played a key role in the 21’s promotion to PL2’s top tier, during the second half of the season. Joseph scored plenty of goals.
Both Monteiro and Joseph will struggle for game time next season. Charlie Cresswell, the potential signing of Nat Phillips, Max Wober, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk are all ahead of Monteiro at centre-back. Even, Kris Moore.
Up front, Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter and Joe Gelhardt are likely to remain. So, Joseph and Monteiro might be suited to going on loan to Sampdoria, under Radrizzani’s watchful eye. But for Hjelde, he simply has to stay put.
Andrea Radrizzani keen on Leeds trio, would be a mistake for Leo Hjelde
Hjelde, a £1m signing from Celtic two years ago, has played five times at senior level for Leeds – and then went on loan to Rotherham in the Championship last term. Playing 13 times in the second half of last season, he impressed.
Returning to Leeds, he finds himself easily within a shout of breaking into the senior side. Two reasons. His form in the Championship last season with Rotherham, and that Junior Firpo is expected to go. Struijk is a central defender.
So, while Monteiro and Joseph would benefit from a loan to Radrizzani and Pirlo’s Sampdoria, Hjelde has got to stay at Leeds and fight for his place. He has realistic claims of starting under what is expected to be, Daniel Farke.
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