According to Leeds Live, Leeds United are eyeing a swoop for Leo Hjelde. The Yorkshire giants are hoping to bolster their ranks in the youth team, with the Celtic youngster identified as an ideal target. Hjelde spent the recent season on loan at Ross County, with the Whites poised to make a summer bid to secure his services in the summer.
Who Is Leo Hjelde?
A native of Norway, Leo Hjelde began his youth career at Rosenborg, before eventually moving to Celtic in the summer of 2019. He was brought in as a member of the U18 squad but was promoted to the reserve side last summer, owing to his impressive performances in the youth divisions.
After spending half a season with the Celtic reserves, Hjelde made the move to Ross County in January 2021, joining the club on a short-term loan. It was at Ross County where he made his professional breakthrough, featuring in Premiership matches at the age of just 17.
Hjelde, with his imposing 1.88m figure, helped Ross County finish the 2020/21 campaign on a positive note. He even scored a vital goal in the 3-2 win over Kilmarnock and was involved in two of the last three matches of the season, when the club secured three back to back victories.
During his time at Ross County, Hjelde showcased excellent versatility. Despite being a centre-back by trade, the youngster operated as a left-back or even a left wingback, in addition to his favoured central defensive role – making him one of the most sought-after youngsters in Scottish football this summer.
A Hjelde A Good Option For Leeds United?
Leeds United’s recruitment drive last summer for the reserve side raised a lot of eyebrows, with the club managing to secure deals for high profile youngsters like Sam Greenwood, Dani van den Heuvel, Crysencio Summerville and Joel Gelhardt among many others.
The result paid off as well, with the Whites’ reserve side finishing top in their group, in the Premier League 2, with an impressive 11 point lead over Stoke City. It won’t be surprising to see some of these players making their way into the senior side in the summer.
A move for Leo Hjelde, therefore, is certainly a wise choice for not only the club but also for the player. The youngster has shown a lot of potential during his time in Scotland. His versatility, in particular, could turn out to be extremely useful in Leeds United’s reserve side next season.
The Norwegian teenager might even get into the senior side if he can impress the onlookers in Premier League 2. Marcelo Bielsa could certainly use a player of his stature and versatility next term, although the youngster does indeed require a lot of experience.
