Leeds United centre-back Pascal Struijk could face some pressure from Leo Hjelde
Leeds United centre-back Pascal Struijk needs to ensure his place in Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team isn’t under threat when the Whites complete the signing of Leo Hjelde.
The 17-year-old is on the verge of joining the Yorkshire club after Leeds agreed a fee for the Celtic defender [the Scottish Sun]. Nettavisen journalist Stian Andre de Wahl reports that he’s due for a medical with personal terms also agreed.
The young Norwegian centre-back is considered one of the brightest talents at Celtic Park, and it seems as if the Whites are picking up an excellent prospect.
Could his arrival threaten Struijk’s place in the team?
Well, Bielsa is a big fan of the Dutchman, and he played 29 times last season.
However, Hjelde is an outstanding prospect, and when the Whites complete this deal, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him push for a first-team spot [LeedsLive].
Hjelde has been described as “the next van Dijk” by former Ross County manager John Hughes in the past and might not want to sit around in the Under-23s [the Scottish Sun].
If he comes in and impresses Bielsa straight away, do not be surprised to see Hjelde in the first team very quickly.
Bielsa has proven in the past that he picks the players who impress him, and if Hjelde performs better in training than Struijk, then we could see the centre-back get some first-team games ahead of the 22-year-old.
Of course, this is just our opinion, and Hjelde might spend this season with the Under-23s; we just don’t know.
However, what can’t be denied is that Leeds are making an exciting signing in Hjelde, and we look forward to seeing him play for Leeds.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are set seal a new signing in the coming days.