Leo Hjelde is ‘waiting’ for Leeds United to leave with a deal on’standby’ after the initial offer was turned down.
According to la Citta di Salerno, Leo Hjelde and Salernitana are both “waiting” for a transfer from Leeds United after an initial loan-to-buy deal was turned down.
The Italian publication said on their website on Friday, August 18 that the Serie A club had made an effort to strike a deal in which they would have been able to purchase the 19-year-old defender for €1.5 million (£1.28 million), but the Whites had rejected that and were now “keeping the deal on standby.”
The Norwegian is competing with Sam Byram for a left-back spot after starting the first two games of the season.
However, they already lack depth in defence and can’t afford to make their full-back options even more limited, especially because Junior Firpo, the lone left-sided specialist option, is out again.
The ex-Barcelona player was supposed to leave this summer, but due to a weak market or his most recent setback in fitness, he is still with the team.
Even when he is healthy, most fans won’t feel very confident that there is enough coverage, and Phil Hay has stated that a new full-back may very well be on the horizon within the next two weeks.
Although Byram now appears to be a capable replacement, it wouldn’t be prudent to rely on his availability given that the former Norwich defender hasn’t played more than 18 league games in a season since he originally departed Elland Road in 2016.
Although more incoming deals are “anticipated,” according to Angus Kinnear, it looks that no other players will be departing the club before the window closes. As a result, possibly Hjelde will continue to be a supporting option on the left and in the centre even if new players enter the building.
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