Leeds United agree Leo Hjelde exit as Sunderland transfer news drops

Sunderland have agreed a fee with Leeds United for the permanent signing of Leo Hjelde, with personal terms still to be agreed ahead of the move, according to Mike McGrath.

The Daily Telegraph journalist shared via his X account on 29 January that the 20-year-old looks set for a permanent move to the Stadium of Light after falling out of favour at Elland Road.

It was previously reported [Alan Nixon, 28 January] that a loan move could be on the cards, but a fee has now been agreed for the Norwegian to head to the North East on a permanent basis.

It was the right time

After an opening-day start against Cardiff City, Hjelde hasn’t featured again for Daniel Farke’s side and has been relegated to the academy team in a display which suggested that his long-term future may not be at Elland Road.

Now that seems to have become the case, with a permanent move to Sunderland on the cards rather than the previously suggested loan move which would have seen him return to Elland Road.

A move to a promotion-cashing side should be considered a good one for Hjelde given his complete lack of involvement in the Leeds first-team, and he appears to have fallen on his feet after being moved to the academy side at Elland Road.

Sunderland, who are owned by billionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, may prove themselves as a promotion rival despite a recent dip in form under Michael Beale, which meant Leeds may have been reluctant to strengthen their side, but that has not been too much of an issue.

In other Leeds United news, the club are working on deadline-busting transfer deals.

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