The former Celtic defender has signed for Sheffield United from Sunderland.
A former Celtic player who was handed major billing at Parkhead has swapped Sunderland for Sheffield United on transfer deadline day.
After recovery from an Achilles injury, Leo Hjelde has signed for the Enlgish Championship side on loan until the end of the season. He moved to Celtic as a youngster from Rosenborg in his native Norway and had time on loan at Ross County before joining Leeds United on a permanent deal.
He’s been with Sunderland since 2024 but now joins Sheffield United. Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman: “Leo is motivated to play games, and we wanted to ensure his next opportunity matched his ambitions and our own.
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Why have Sheffield United signed former Celtic player from Sunderland?
“We know Sheffield United well and feel this can be a positive collaboration for all three parties. We wish Leo the best of luck for the second half of the season.”
Blades boss Chris Wilder said: "I'm delighted, not just from Leo, and obviously we'll talk about it, but from the backing that I've had from Steve Bettis, working with the data company that we're using. It's a reliable, credible data company that's got experience in the Premier League, working towards players coming here and, most importantly, the backing and support that I've had from Helmy (Eltoukhy) and Steve Rosen and the board members in terms of strengthening us and supporting me as the manager."
It’s his latest move since major billing while at Celtic, where Ross County manager John Hughes backed him as the next coming of Liverpool defender and ex-Hoops star Virgil Van Dijk. The former Celtic defender said in 2021: “I 100% believe he will reach the Premier League. Leo is going to be the next Virgil Van Dijk, trust me on that, trust me.
What was verdict on Leo Hjelde while contracted to Celtic?
“He has got a lot to learn but for being a young kid, to come on loan during Covid in this climate, what he’s produced has been absolutely fantastic. He has still got a lot of learning but before he came here Leeds United were after him. I think he signed an extension to his Celtic contract for this loan to go through. He is going to be a centre-back but he can play left-back.
“Everything a loan does for a kid, playing competitive football every week, trying to win every week, playing men’s football, standing up to it and the disappointments. There have been one or two occasions he could have done better but that’s part of it. It’s been a wonderful experience for Leo.
“I am a wee bit of a Celtic man and I would love to see him make his debut for Glasgow Celtic and become a regular. I would love nothing more than to go along to Parkhead and see Leo run out there. That’s why we are so grateful to Celtic for allowing that. Everybody has benefited and that is my wish. Hopefully Leo can play a part in keeping Ross County in the Scottish Premiership and then the next time we see him, he is playing for Celtic. If not, if they decided he’s got a bit more development to do, it’s something we might look at next season.”
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