The new Black Cats defender is already familiar with playing in front of big crowds

A new signing for Sunderland Leo Hjelde says he is eager to get going at the Stadium of Light, but he is aware of what it’s like to be under pressure at a major club.

The 20-year-old, who signed a four-and-a-half-year contract on Wearside, is more than prepared for the job. He came from Leeds United, having previously played for Scottish powerhouse Celtic. In his short career, he has made just 33 senior games. He began playing for Rosenborg in Norway before joining Scottish powerhouse Celtic in July 2019.

About the move, he remarked, “It feels great.” “There has definitely been a significant improvement, and I am eager to get going.” I was ecstatic to learn about Sunderland’s interest. I needed to speak with my father since Okay. He gave me a tour of the club and demonstrated its enormous following. It was an opportunity that I was unable to pass up.

“I began at Rosenburg in Norway, then moved to Celtic, Leeds, and of course this

place. I am a dynamic center-back or left-back who enjoys playing the ball. I enjoy

moving about the field, but I also enjoy making use of my strengths.

It was really simple for me to get started in football because my dad plays the

sport as well. However, there is undoubtedly a lot of support there.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Leeds, Celtic, and this particular club. There, it was just a matter of managing the pressure of being present and having the support of your fan base. It’s excellent since the experience has helped me grow and mature in some ways. Now all I have to do is get started right immediately, and maybe the fans will support me. There was no way I could turn down the chance to come here when it presented itself.

Hjelde, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and can play both left and center back, was born in Nottingham in August 2003. His father

was the former defender Jon Olav Hjelde of Nottingham Forest. He started his

youth career with Trygg/Lade in Norway before moving to Rosenborg to attend

their academy to further his development.

At the age of fifteen, he signed a professional deal with Celtic in 2019. He played ten games for Ross County while on loan in 2021, however he never made an appearance in Glasgow.

After Leeds United had made it through their maiden Premier League season, Hjelde moved to South Yorkshire with them in the summer of that same year. Hjedle continued to play in the Premier League, making two appearances. He replaced Everton’s starter in the second half of games against West Ham United.

The defender played 13 games while on loan at Rotherham United during the second half of the previous season. Hjelde, who was previously signed by Tore Andre Flo and Thomas Mhyre, is the third Norwegian to be signed by Sunderland. He faced the club last season while on loan with Rotherham.