Anthony Onifade

Sat 20 January 2024 21:10, UK

Leo Hjelde has sent a message to Leeds United wonder Mateo Joseph after his confirmed new contract at Elland Road.

The Whites confirmed on their official website (19 January) that Joseph signed a new long-term contract with the club after agreeing terms which sees him stay in West Yorkshire until 2028.

This season, under the guidance of Daniel Farke, the youngster has already played six times at first-team level, most recently featuring in the successful Emirates FA Cup win against Peterborough United.

And Joseph took to his personal Instagram account (19 January) to announce his new deal at Elland Road, writing: “I’m so excited to let you know I’ve extended my contract with this incredible club. Very happy to continue to be part of this family.

“I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all fans for backing us every game and post-training. Even on freezing days, waiting patiently to greet us, you inspire us to keep fighting.
 
“Massive thanks to those who’ve been with me watching my first steps in the U21 team. Your support from the beginning means the world to me. Grateful for every teammate, coach, and staff member I’ve shared the dressing room with.

“This is just the kick-off for a new exciting chapter, and I can’t wait to give it my best in every match to repay the trust you’ve given me!

Hjelde who is expected to leave Elland Road this month (Yorkshire Evening Post, 19 January) shared his response to Joseph’s new deal with an emoji message.

Leeds wish

The Whites have done incredibly well to seal two of their best young talents at Elland Road to new deals within a matter of days after Archie Gray’s announcement on Tuesday (16 January).

Not only that but his prestigious talent and potential are simply too great to allow him to leave so easily and it is in the best interests of the whole club that they keep some of their best talents at the club.

However, the same can’t be said of Hjelde who has become a forgotten man at Elland Road and is now bound to exit the club this month in order for first-team opportunities elsewhere.

Farke did suggest recently that the defender can develop into a first-team player which means a loan is likely the best way for him to do so.

But, with Charlie Cresswell undergoing a similar Farke first-team treatment, when Hjelde will make a Leeds United appearance again soon remains incredibly uncertain.

There is certainly the wish that he would be held in the same regard as Gray and Joseph but such is the competitive nature of the squad, it simply hasn’t worked out for him.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared whether Farke is about to cancel another loan deal early.

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