Leo Hjelde ‘waiting’ for Leeds United exit with deal on ‘standby’ after initial offer rejected
Leo Hjelde and Salernitana are both “waiting” for a move from Leeds United after an initial loan-to-buy offer was rejected, according to la Citta di Salerno.
The Italian outlet reported on their website Friday (18 August) that the Serie A side had attempted to do a deal which would have seen them able to buy the 19-year-old defender for €1.5million [£1.28m], but while the Whites had turned that down they were now “keeping the deal on standby”.
The Norwegian started the first two games of the season at left-back under Daniel Farke but is battling for his place with Sam Byram.
Hjelde is currently in the concussion protocol and missed the draw with West Brom on Friday, and Leeds United are not thought to be in a position to let him go currently.
On hold
This looks like a fairly simple matter of if Leeds United successfully sign a left-back before the close of the window they might consider allowing Hjelde head to Italy.
But otherwise they are already short enough in defence as it is without weakening their full-back options further, especially with the only specialist left-sided option injured again in Junior Firpo.
The ex-Barcelona man was expected to leave this summer, but through a lack of market or his latest fitness set back he currently remains with the club.
Most supporters wouldn’t feel especially confident that there was enough cover even when he is fit, and Phil Hay has suggested that a new full-back could well be on the cards in the next fortnight.
Byram currently looks like an able deputy but the former Norwich defender hasn’t played more than 18 league games in a season since he left Elland Road the first time in 2016, so relying on his availability wouldn’t be wise.
Angus Kinnear appears to have indicated that nobody else will be leaving the club before the window shuts, while multiple incoming deals are “anticipated”, so perhaps Hjelde remains as a supporting option on the left and centrally even if new arrivals come through the doors.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have locked onto a new striker target in the past week amid a plan to bid before the window shuts.