Sunderland agree fee to sign Leeds United defender

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Sunderland are closing in on signing left-back Leo Hjelde from their fellow promotion hopefuls

Michael Beale, new Sunderland head coach poses at The Academy of Light on December 18, 2023 in Sunderland, England.
(Image credit: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)

Sunderland are on the verge of adding Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde to their ranks after agreeing a fee to sign the Norwegian.

The Black Cats were initially thought to be interested in capturing the 20-year-old on loan but are now set to make the move permanent, with only personal terms reportedly left to be hashed out.

The 20-year-old left-back, who can also provide cover at centre-back, will bolster Michael Beale’s defensive options after the injuries to Niall Huggins and Dennis Cirkin.

Sunderland's Dennis Cirkin during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Rotherham United at the Stadium Of Light, Sunderland on Saturday 19th August 2023.

Injury to Dennis Cirkin has forced Sunderland into the market (Image credit: Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Hjelde spent time on loan at Rotherham United last season but has failed to make an impact in West Yorkshire under Leeds manager Daniel Farke.

He has made just three appearances for the senior team this season – two in the EFL Cup and one in the league – and three for the Under-21s.

With Sam Byram establishing himself as Leeds’ first-choice left-back and after the return to training of Junior Firpo, Farke is happy to let Hjelde leave Elland Road.

Leo Hjelde of Leeds United running during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Leeds United and Shrewsbury Town at Elland Road on August 09, 2023 in Leeds, England.

Leo Hjelde of Leeds United is joining Sunderland (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Telegraph's Mick McGrath reported: “Sunderland have agreed a fee with Leeds for Norway U21 defender Leo Hjelde.

“Deal for 20-year-old in place with personal terms to be agreed before a permanent move to the Stadium Of Light.”

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Andy Wright
Andy Wright

Andy is a freelance sports journalist whose work has appeared across a number of print and online titles, including Golf Monthly, Eurosport and TNT Sports. He graduated in 2019 and began his career working in golf before joining Future in February 2021 as a staff writer for Golf Monthly. Andy has since decided to branch out into other sports and now covers football, rugby, snooker, UFC, Formula 1, boxing, and others. He is a Manchester United fan and joins the FourFourTwo team at an interesting time for his club and the game as a whole.