Leeds United transfer news as Leo Hjelde agrees Sunderland contract for £1m+ exit
Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde has agreed to join Sunderland, according to Norwegian journalist Arilas Ould-Saada.
The journalist reported via X on Monday (29 January) that the left-back has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Black Cats.
Ould-Saada added that Hjelde is leaving Elland Road for the Stadium of Light for £1million-£1.5million, with a medical taking place on Monday.
“Norwegian U21 international Leo Fuhr Hjelde (20) has agreed a 4.5-year contract with Sunderland and is likely to sign tonight, according to TV2’s information,” Ould-Saada wrote on X. “Hjelde is undergoing a medical test today and is joining for £1-1.5million from Leeds United.”
On the move
Hjelde leaving Elland Road perhaps comes as no real surprise to Leeds fans, with the 20-year-old having made just one league appearance this season.
Injuries have certainly played their part, but the bigger problem for the youngster has been the presence of the likes of Sam Byram and Junior Firpo at left-back. Farke has trusted that duo this season, and they certainly haven’t let him down, both defensively and offensively.
Hjelde can also play centrally, but again Farke has plenty of reliable options in that area, with Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon forming a formidable partnership at centre-back, with Ethan Ampadu able to drop in when needed.
Perhaps the only surprise comes with Leeds allowing Hjelde to move to a Championship rival, although Sunderland are not exactly challenging the Whites at this moment in time.
The left-back will depart Elland Road with the best wishes from everyone at the club, who will be keen for Hjelde to hit the ground running at the Stadium of Light.
In other Leeds United news, one club needs all the cash they can get to sign a Whites loanee permanently, with a semi-final spot vital.
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