Leeds are reportedly open to selling Leo Hjelde if the price is right, but given our lack of options in that area – it might be The 49ers have a replacement ready. Letting Hjelde go without signing a left-back would be catastrophic.
Hjelde, 19, went on loan to Championship side Rotherham United for the second half of last season and impressed. So much so that the Norway U21 man earned praise from Liam Cooper, following the end of the 2022-23 season.
The ex-Celtic defender played 13 times for Rotherham, helping them stave off the threat of relegation. Considered one of the teams in the bottom third of the Championship, Hjelde only lost three of his 13 appearances out on loan.
Indeed, Rotherham won five of those games – keeping five clean sheets. Italian site Tutto Salernitana report that if the price is right, Leeds will be open to a sale. Sky Sports Italy say Serie A side Salernitana are in talks to get him.
But with Junior Firpo likely to leave, if the Whites get rid of Hjelde too – surely it is a sign that the 49ers have a replacement ready to bring in. Otherwise, Leeds will be left without any recognised options on the left of defence.
Leeds open to selling Hjelde might mean 49ers have a replacement ready
Leeds have been linked with Swansea star Ryan Manning, as per FLW. The Ireland international leaves the Welsh side on Friday, with his contract expiring. We spoke to Planet Swans, who say he would be a good signing for us.
Having laid on 15 goal involvements last season, the Ireland man would be a superb addition on a free. The left-back area has always been a problem area for Leeds, ever since Leeds sold Charlie Taylor to Burnley, back in July 2017.
Firpo is set to go, and Hjelde has shown he is clearly a very good player at Championship level – huge potential, at least. So, if Leeds let Hjelde join Firpo in leaving the club – surely, Leeds have a replacement lined up at left-back.
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