Leo Hjelde’s deal away from Leeds United has been placed on standby after an initial offer from Salernitana has been turned down, according to la Citta di Salerno.
The 19-year-old defender was the subject of loan to buy bid from the Italian side which would have allowed them to make the move permanent for just over £1.2 million. However, the Elland Road side have rejected this initial approach with their European counterparts forced to place the deal on hold.
The Norwegian left-back joined the club from Celtic in August 2021 and remained with the club until January 2023 where he linked up with Championship side Rotherham United on a six-month loan deal. Whilst at the Millers he made 13 appearances in the second tier as he aided his side to a 19th place finish keeping their distance from the relegation places.
He has featured twice this season for Daniel Falke’s side, on both occasions for just 45 minutes but was absent from the squad as they welcomed West Bromwich Albion due to concussion protocol ruling him out of the fixture. The left back position is contested by Hjelde and Sam Byram, with the latter seemingly preferred by the Leeds boss and specialist Junior Firpo injured and having difficulties maintaining his fitness for sustained periods. The club are currently not in a position to allow him to leave without signing a suitable replacement. Should they manage to prior to the window closing then the move will most likely be approved with the player heading to Italy.
Writer’s View
It’s a clear case that the club do not at this time have sufficient cover with the player being considered expendable should a suitable replacement be found. It is likely therefore that the club will escalate their efforts to secure a new left sided defender with the current deal on hold. The question remains however, if the Italian side will wait for Leeds to sign cover, or if they will move onto other targets so they do not miss out on signing anyone.