Sunderland look to have the rough end of multi-million pound transfer agreement with Leeds United: View
Since joining Sunderland in January from Leeds United, defender Leo Hjelde has had difficulty.
Even though they were barely outside of the play-off spots, the Black Cats controversially decided to fire Tony Mowbray in December and replace him with Michael Beale. It is safe to conclude that the decision was a failure.
Supporters of Sunderland did not like of Beale’s hiring, and last month, he was fired after leading the team to just four victories in his twelve games.
Mike Dodds, who had a successful caretaker stint following Mowbray’s exit, has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. However, the 37-year-old has not had the same effect this time around, as the Black Cats have only gained one point from his five games in charge.
Sunderland, who are nine points above the relegation zone and now ranked 12th in the Championship, will be back in action on Good Friday when they travel to Cardiff City in South Wales. Sunderland is 13 points outside of the play-off spots.
Three new players, Leo Hjelde, Romaine Mundle, and Callum Styles, arrived at the Stadium of Light during the lackluster January transfer window, which did little to improve the Black Cats’ season. Supporters were particularly irritated by the team’s inability to sign a senior striker.
Hjelde, Mundle, and Styles have all had difficult starts to their Wearside careers, although the most concerns surround Hjelde’s acquisition given the substantial transfer fee the team paid.
Sunderland may be regretting Leo Hjelde transfer deal
After joining Leeds from Celtic in August 2021 for a transfer fee above £1 million, Hjelde had a challenging time there, playing in just eight senior games over the course of three and a half years.
Hjelde began the season for Leeds against Cardiff after spending the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Rotherham United. However, he was replaced at halftime, and that would turn out to be his only league appearance for Daniel Farke’s team, with only two more coming in the EFL Cup.
Hjedle’s lack of playing time at Elland Road meant that when Sunderland spent an alleged £2 million to acquire the 20-year-old in January, there were questions.
Hjelde has started every game for the Black Cats since joining the team, playing left and center defense, but he hasn’t been able to win over fans just yet.
In the nine games that Hjelde has played in, Sunderland has lost six, drawn two, and won only one. In addition, they have given up 13 goals.
Of course, it would be wrong to hold Hjelde solely responsible for the Black Cats’ issues, and his arrival onto the team has been difficult given the club’s downward spiral.
However, some fans have questioned whether Hjelde should continue to play, and it’s unclear if the defender will start for Sunderland once their roster is fully healthy.
Luke O’Nien is back from suspension for Friday’s trip to Cardiff, which may force Hjelde to the bench. When they return from injury, Niall Huggins, Dennis Cirkin, and Aji Alese will provide more competition for spots.
Since the Black Cats have made it a point to sign up young players, they probably won’t rush Hjelde, especially now that he’s signed a four-and-a-half year contract.
Despite the ups and downs he has faced at the Stadium of Light thus far, Hjelde stated last month that he has had a “very enjoyable” time at the club and that he and his teammates still have more to give.
Leeds now appear to have won the deal after paying a high price for Hjelde’s services, so Sunderland will be hoping he can get back on track quickly.
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