Leeds United fans are becoming increasingly worried about the lack of incoming signings but there is set to be some business today, in the form of an exit – with Leo Hjelde set to join Sunderland.
Hjelde, 20, has struggled at Leeds. Joining the club from Celtic in 2021 after impressing north of the border on loan at Ross County, the Norway U21 man is set to leave Leeds after just eight senior games.
A loan spell at Rotherham United last season provided glimpses of quality, and after relegation, the hope that Hjelde could be a long-term solution on the left side of defence. He started the first League game.
But he was hooked at half-time and Daniel Farke has not used him in the League since. This week, it was reported that Sunderland had agreed a permanent move for Hjelde – and now, he is set to leave Leeds.
Indeed, a report from The Northern Echo said yesterday that a deal is set to be completed within 24 hours – meaning a deal should be announced today, ‘barring any late hitches’. Hjelde is off to Wearside.
Leo Hjelde move to Sunderland should be announced today
A shame, because there is clearly a player in Hjelde. Liam Cooper recently predicted the versatile left-footer would go on to have an ‘unbelievable’ career. But that is not going to happen in a Leeds shirt.
It is another example of Sunderland signing young players that have spent time at Leeds. Niall Huggins is impressing in Sunderland’s defence, while Jack Clarke is easily their best player. Hjelde joins that list.
Perhaps at Sunderland, Hjelde will now be given the platform to go and shine and show Leeds what we might have hoped for when signing him from the Scottish champions – under manager Michael Beale.
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