Sheffield United have completed the loan signing of former Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde from Sunderland.
The 22-year-old is no stranger to Yorkshire, having represented Leeds between 2021 and 2024.
He spent most of his time at Elland Road on the fringes and had a brief loan stint at Rotherham United in 2023.
Sunderland secured his signature in the summer of 2024 and he was a bit-part player in their promotion-winning campaign last term.
Leo Hjelde featured as a substitute as Sunderland defeated Sheffield United in last season's Championship play-off final.placeholder image
Leo Hjelde featured as a substitute as Sunderland defeated Sheffield United in last season's Championship play-off final. | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Injury hampered him in the early stages of the current season but since recovering, the former Norway youth international has not been afforded a single Premier League outing.
Sheffield United confirm arrival of Sunderland defender
He has now linked up with Sheffield United, penning a loan deal running until the end of the season to provide cover at centre-back and left-back.
Hjelde has become the South Yorkshire club’s second recruit of the winter window, following Ki-Jana Hoever through the door.
Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Leo 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.”
Leo Hjelde made eight appearances for Leeds United.placeholder image
Leo Hjelde made eight appearances for Leeds United. | Daniel Carson/Getty Images
High-profile comparison
Speaking about Hjelde in 2021, his then-Ross County boss John Hughes likened him to Liverpool icon Virgil van Dijk.
He said: “Leo is going to be the next van Dijk. Trust me on that. I would love to see him make his debut for Celtic and become a regular. I would love nothing more to see him running out there.
“We want him to play his part in keeping Ross County in the Premiership then play for Celtic next season.”
Sheffield United are seemingly keen on completing more business before the 7pm transfer deadline and have also been linked with Burnley’s Joe Worrall.