Leo Hjelde was the only player to rake in a fee for Leeds United in January when he left the club to join Sunderland last month on a permanent basis – and Ben Parker is delighted for the Norwegian.
Hjelde, 20, struggled at Leeds. He only managed eight senior games for the Whites since joining the club from Celtic. After impressing on loan at Rotherham, there was hope he’d shine at Elland Road.
The Norway U21 man was one of many seen as a possible player that could benefit from Leeds going down to the Championship. Like, Cree Summerville, Pascal Struijk, Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell.
It has been a mixed bag. Hjelde was given the chance, starting left-back on the opening day of the season against Cardiff. But he was hooked at half-time and wasn’t used in the Championship, again.
He joined Sunderland for a fee of £2m, which sees Celtic get a take of that fee. He has already made his debut for the Black Cats, impressing against Middlesbrough. Parker told LS11 it is a great move for him.
“We saw some of the fringe players leave Leeds, Leo Hjelde has gone to Sunderland. What a move that is for him, by the way. Delighted for him. Great, great lad,” former Leeds defender Parker said today.
Ben Parker delighted for Leo Hjelde after move to Sunderland
It was never going to happen at Leeds. Junior Firpo is back to his best despite a shaky performance at Plymouth on Tuesday night. Sam Byram has been excellent, playing on both sides of the defence.
Leeds now have Connor Roberts as an option and that in turn, strengthens our options on the left – with Byram now able to focus on competing with Firpo for the left-back slot. It is a brilliant move for Hjelde.
Judging by his debut, he will be given the platform to secure the left-back slot at the Stadium of Light as his own. Michael Beale is renowned for bringing through young players and Hjelde could thrive off that.
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