Leo Hjelde could now leave Leeds United before Friday’s 11pm deadline.
That is according to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, who says Hjelde ‘appears to have little prospect of featuring in Daniel Farke’s Championship plans’ and so an exit could well be on the cards.
Hjelde has made three appearances so far this season, including both of Leeds‘ first two matches of the season in all competitions.
However, after disappointing displays, Hjelde was substituted at half time on each occasion and made his return to the side for the first time against Salford City on Tuesday night, where he again struggled.
Farke’s reluctance to use him from the bench in the 4-3 win at Ipswich Town last weekend could well have been a hint that Hjelde’s future lays elsewhere.
Hjelde could leave Leeds this week
Both Cody Drameh and Jamie Shackleton were chosen ahead of Hjelde at left-back at Portman Road after Sam Byram’s first half withdrawal due to injury.
Neither are natural left-backs, or left-footed for the matter, and clearly Farke has lost trust in the 19-year-old, who had looked impressive in pre-season.
Leeds have been linked with the addition of a new left-back with Luke Thomas and Charlie Taylor reportedly among those on the radar.
Junior Firpo and Byram are also currently ahead of Hjelde in the pecking order, though both are out with respective injury problems.
Hjelde has consistently been linked with a move to Salernitana throughout the window and whether they reignite their interest remains to be seen.
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