Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde impressed during pre-season on the left flank but in our opening two outings, he has been hooked at half-time – and right now, a possible move to Italian side Salernitana will be incredibly tempting.
Hjelde, 19, returned to Leeds this summer after a loan spell at Rotherham United during the second half of last term in which he impressed. He started in three of our four pre-season games – against Man United, Monaco and Hearts.
It has seen the Norway U21 man start against both Cardiff, and then Shrewsbury on Wednesday night. But on both occasions, Hjelde – a £1m signing from Celtic in August 2021 – has been replaced by Sam Byram during the break.
It comes at the same time that reports from Italy say Salernitana have held talks to land Hjelde. Tutto Salernitana say Leeds have set the Serie A side a price tag of £1.75m to sign Hjelde. He has two years left on his Leeds contract.
Possible move to Salernitana will be tempting for Leeds defender Hjelde
Going into Saturday’s trip to Birmingham City, the likelihood is that Byram – although not yet ready for an entire 90 minutes – is likely to start against the Blues. He has injected some energy when coming off the bench for Hjelde.
Hjelde will still be needed, likely to come on against John Eustace’s men when Farke feels Byram has done enough. Perhaps, around the hour mark. But having already lost his starting spot, Hjelde will already feel very frustrated.
Surely, if the chance occurs to move to Serie A side Salernitana – the chance to play regularly for a top-tier side in the gorgeous Salerno, a port city of Naples, will be tempting. Rather that, than being a sub in the Championship.
Right now, Hjelde will surely prefer to move to Salernitana – especially if he loses his place to Byram on Saturday. Whether Leeds will be open to his exit, without signing a new left-back, remains to be seen. Junior Firpo is injured.
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