Reliable Leeds United-focused journalist Phil Hay has stated that the English Premier League club will complete the signing of Leo Hjelde from Celtic before the transfer window closes.
Leeds have been linked with a move for Hjelde all summer. Earlier this month it was reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post that they’d made a breakthrough in discussions for the player.
Hjelde has yet to play a single minute for Celtic when it comes to competitive action. However, he was regularly utilised by Ange Postecoglou in pre-season.
It’s unclear as to why Hjelde would view his long-term future away from Glasgow. Especially after seeing what a successful career in Scotland has done for countryman Kristoffer Ajer.
However, the deal looks to be all but done. Phil Hay of The Athletic reported on Twitter yesterday that the move is set to be finalised within the next eight days.
Celtic losing Leo Hjelde to Leeds United a disappointing blow
When it came to young prospects banging on the door of the first-team, Hjelde was right up there. At only 17 years of age, Postecoglou took him on the club’s pre-season trip to Wales and gave him substantial game-time.
This came after a productive second half of last season on loan at Ross County. The Norwegian’s career was moving in the right direction at Parkhead.
We know the troubles Celtic have had in trying to get their top youngsters to stay in Glasgow. It’s something Postecoglou has said himself that he’s looking to sort out.
So it would be intriguing to understand why Hjelde believes his future lies at Elland Road. Is it simply a case of failing to resist a move to the EPL at the first opportunity? Celtic of course have him signed on a professional contract, meaning we would have to accept an offer ourselves. It’s unlike the Hoops to allow our top young talents to go on the cheap.
It’s massively disappointing. Perhaps some will have raised an eyebrow when Dane Murray was selected over Hjelde in the UCL qualifier against Midtjylland. The natural order of things at that stage would’ve been for the Norwegian to play over Dane. That didn’t happen.
And now he appears to be off to England without making a single competitive appearance for the Hoops. Disappointing doesn’t even begin to cover it.
In other news, Polish Report: Former Celtic man Olivier Ntcham could join Legia Warsaw
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
