It might not be the incoming transfer news that Leeds United fans might have hoped for, but Leeds have struck a deal and it is the sale of Leo Hjelde to Sunderland – prompting Junior Firpo to react.
Hjelde, 20, has completed a permanent move from Elland Road to Wearside just when Leeds are in the market for a new defender. The Norway U21 star has struggled at Leeds since moving south from Celtic.
He has managed just eight senior outings since that move in 2021 for Leeds – but did impress on loan at Rotherham United during 2022-23. He returned in the summer, perhaps hoping for more game time.
Indeed, Hjelde started during the opening League game of the season against Cardiff – but hooked at half-time during the 2-2 draw, in which Liam Cooper and Cree Summerville scored to salvage a point.
Since, Hjelde has not been used by Daniel Farke in the League and that is likely to have convinced the versatile left-footer to pursue a move. Sunderland have struck, paying a fee between £1m and £1.5m.
Hjelde took to Instagram on Tuesday following the move to the Stadium of Light, where he will team up with ex-Leeds players Niall Huggins and Jack Clarke. He thanked those at the club, and Leeds fans.
Leo Hjelde posts on Instagram after Leeds United exit
It is a brilliant move for Hjelde, who will now be battling for a place in Michael Beale’s starting line-up in due course. It will also see him come up against Leeds at Elland Road on April 9, with the run in full flow.
Plenty responded to his post on Instagram after two and a half years at Leeds. Junior Firpo, one of the players ahead in the pecking order commented, as did Sonny Perkins and on-loan Sam Greenwood.
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