'I simply couldn’t turn it down' - Sunderland complete Leo Hjelde signing

Sunderland are finally up and running in the January transfer window with Le Hjelde joining from Leeds United.

Sunderland have completed their first signing of the January transfer window, with defender Leo Hjelde joining from Leeds United.

An undisclosed fee for the 20-year-old, believed to be around £1.5million has been paid to the Elland Road club for the Norwegian, who will wear number 33 on Wearside.

He has also signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at the Stadium of Light and will add some much-needed strength and balance to the left side of Sunderland’s defence.

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Although representing Norway at international level, Hjelde was actually born in Nottingham when his father, Jon Olav Hjelde was a player at Forest. The senior Hjelde has already played at the Stadium of Light and even scored in the 1-1 draw there in November 1997.

“It feels great to be here and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Leo Hjelde said. “I spoke to my dad, who showed me the size of the club and the support, and I knew it was a move I simply I couldn’t turn down.

“I’m a ball-playing centre back, or left back, and I like to get up and down the pitch. I’ve been at some big clubs previously and this has helped me develop as a player and as a person, but I’m now ready to push on and take the next step.”

The deal represents a breakthrough for Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, who had endured a frustrating month up until this point.

“We’re really pleased to have acquired Leo on a permanent basis, as he’s a player we’ve admired for some time,” Speakman said.

Welcome to Sunderland AFC, Leo Hjelde! 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/ZgakE9tdGg

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 30, 2024

“He possesses the ability to play three different positions in our backline, depending on the formation, and he joins us having already experienced the EFL Championship.

“We hope this will allow him to hit the ground running and help our team throughout the next 16 games, whilst also bringing added strength our squad in the long term.”

Hjelde played for Celtic before Leeds and spent the second half of last season on loan at Rotherham, playing a big part in helping them avoid the drop. 

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