Luke Ayling and Djed Spence have already left Leeds United this month and now another is set to leave Elland Road with Sunderland set to land Leo Hjelde on a permanent basis – with a fee agreed.
Hjelde, 20, has struggled at Leeds since moving down south from Celtic in the summer of 2021. Just eight senior appearances for the club, with Daniel Farke clearly not convinced by the Norwegian star.
He went on loan to Rotherham United last season, and returned in the summer expecting to play a regular part in the Leeds side. After struggling on the opening day, he hasn’t played in the league since.
A move was expected for Hjelde, a player Liam Cooper predicted would go on to have an ‘unbelievable’ career. Reports emerged over the weekend that Michael Beale wanted him at the Stadium of Light.
Now, Sunderland are set to land the Norway U21 star. The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath reports on Twitter that Sunderland have agreed a fee with personal terms not expected to be a problem. A deal is close.
Sunderland agree fee for Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde
A good move for Hjelde given his lack of form or opportunity at Leeds. Hjelde certainly impressed over at Rotherham during his loan spell and Sunderland will be hoping he can reproduce that form there.
Leeds meanwhile, are losing another defender after waving goodbye to Ayling and Spence – with the club yet to make any movements in the window themselves. The Whites are lacking in defence now.
Moves are expected before the deadline on Thursday in what is expected to be a busy few days. A right-back will be top of the agenda for Farke – as Leeds prepare to wave goodbye to Hjelde.
