Hjelde has recently returned to full fitness after undergoing Achilles surgery in the summer, but has been unable to force his way into Regis Le Bris' first-team plans.
Raising Hjelde. π³π΄ pic.twitter.com/tI27Zm1JoO
β Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 2, 2026
As a result, he will head to Bramall Lane to spend the rest of the campaign with the Blades.
Hjelde has made 30 senior appearances for Sunderland since signing from Leeds United in January 2024, and is contracted to the Black Cats until the summer of 2028.
Sunderland sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, said: βLeo is motivated to play games, and we wanted to ensure his next opportunity matched his ambitions and our own.
"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.β