Sunderland’s initial move in the January transfer window sees them secure Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde as their first signing. The 20-year-old has arrived for a significant fee and penned a four-and-a-half year deal with the club. With several left-side defenders out injured, Sunderland sought to bolster their squad, and Hjelde’s versatility and competitive edge were highlighted by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman as valuable assets for the team’s long-term plans.

Speakman expressed satisfaction with Hjelde’s Championship background, anticipating a swift integration into the team given his standout performances during a loan stint at Rotherham United last season. “We’re really pleased to have secured Leo on a permanent basis, as he’s a player we’ve admired for some time,” he remarked.

Highlighting Hjelde’s versatility across the defensive line and his familiarity with the EFL Championship, Speakman expressed optimism about his immediate contribution and long-term impact. “He possesses the ability to play three different positions in our backline, depending on the formation, and he joins us having already experienced the EFL Championship. We hope this will allow him to hit the ground running and help our team throughout the next 16 games, whilst also bringing added strength our squad in the long term.”

Hjelde marks Sunderland’s inaugural signing in what they anticipate will be a busy closure to the window. The club is actively pursuing a striker and a central midfielder, with negotiations also underway for Standard Liege and former Tottenham Hotspur prospect Romain Mundle. Additionally, several departures are on the horizon, with Jewison Bennette nearing a loan move to Greek outfit Aris.