---
title: "Celtic: Leeds United open talks with Hoops defender Leo Hjelde"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-leeds-united-open-talks-with-hoops-defender-leo-hjelde/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sean Clifford"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-06-22T10:10:29Z"
modified: "2021-06-22T10:10:29Z"
---

# Celtic: Leeds United open talks with Hoops defender Leo Hjelde

**Leeds United have opened talks for Celtic central-defender Leo Hjelde, according to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-open-talk-to-sign-next-van-dijk/).**

### The Lowdown: Celtic face mini-exodus ahead of 2021/22

As 2021/22 rolls around the corner in Glasgow, the Hoops face the prospect of multiple senior exits as they re-shuffle the pack ahead of next campaign.

Odsonne Edouard has been heavily linked with moves to [Leicester and West Ham United](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-door-opens-for-west-ham-to-sign-edouard-after-source-reveals-latest-twist/) respectively, whilst Kristoffer Ajer has been targeted by Newcastle United and RB Leipzig \[[Chronicle Live](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/rb-leipzig-enter-kristoffer-ajer-20857472)\].

However, another talented young star could be the first casualty of Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic reign as recent rumours come to light.

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### The Latest: Leeds United open talks with the talented Norwegian

After [links](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-united-whites-linked-with-move-for-leo-hjelde/) earlier in the month, Hjelde’s exit is edging closer as the Yorkshire giants are now ‘negotiating’ a deal as they look to recruit more talent to their youth sides, according to a Leeds United source \[[Football Insider](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/rb-leipzig-enter-kristoffer-ajer-20857472)\].

His contract at Parkhead is due to expire in [12-months](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leo-fuhr-hjelde/profil/spieler/661208), whilst the chances of Celtic being able to keep him are diminishing rapidly.

Leeds United are confident of landing Hjelde on a lucrative contract, citing his ‘enormous’ potential and room to develop as a player under Bielsa as cornerstone factors of his pursuit \[[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-open-talk-to-sign-next-van-dijk/)\], with the Whites’ scouts apparently ‘blown away’ by his abilities at such a young age.

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### The Verdict: Losing ‘the next Van Dijk’ would come as a bitter blow for Celtic

Undoubtedly, losing a premium talent such as the [Norwegian Under-18 international](https://www.67hailhail.com/celtic-youth/celtic-youngster-leo-hjelde-makes-scoring-impact-for-norway-u18s/) would not go down well with the Celtic support.

Enjoying a commendable debut introduction to senior football in 2020/21, Hjelde spent the second half of the season on loan at Ross County making 12 appearances; scoring once \[[Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leo-fuhr-hjelde/leistungsdaten/spieler/661208)\].

Eventually helping the Staggies to Scottish Premiership survival \[[BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56990117)\], then manager John Hughes was so enthralled by his contribution that he labelled the defender ‘the next Virgil van Dijk’ when talking about his potential upward trajectory at the Hoops \[[Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/the-next-virgil-van-dijk-23904268)\].

With his best years well ahead of him, Celtic should aim to offer Hjelde a first-team pathway to entice him to extend his stay at Parkhead.

Despite this, advances from a Premier League side like Leeds United may be too tempting for the starlet to turn down, so it may already be too late for Celtic to keep Hjelde in Glasgow.

**In other news, Celtic have offered a [shock lifeline](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-anthony-ralston-given-parkhead-contract-extension/) to a forgotten ace.**