Sheffield United Hunt Sunderland for Left-Back Cover

Nottingham-Born Norwegian Top of Sheffield United's Deadline Day Wishlist

Sheffield United are eyeing a deadline-day move for Sunderland’s Leo Hjelde, the Star's Danny Hall confirms. The 22-year-old set to spend the remainder of the 2025/26 season on loan at Bramall Lane.

The former Celtic and Leeds United man joined the Black Cats two years ago but has yet to play for Sunderland’s senior team this campaign, partly due to an Achilles injury. He made 19 appearances for the club in the 2024/25 season.

McCallum Injury Woes Call for Emergency Replacement

The move has spawned as a result of the confirmed news that Blades’ first-team left-back, Sam McCallum, suffered a season-ending injury against Millwall last weekend.

Hjelde is a former Norwegian youth international who was born in Nottingham whilst his dad, Jon Olav Hjelde, spent six seasons at Forest.

The diverse defender can play as a central defender or wide on the left flank. Chris Wilder would certainly intend to use the 2003-born talent in the latter position as a direct replacement for McCallum.

A loan deal is expected to be the right fit for both clubs, as Sunderland will not want to part ways with the high-potential youngster yet. Sheffield United themselves are only seeking this deal for emergency injury cover.

Sam McCallum's injury is set to force Sheffield United in a late left-back swoop, and Sunderland's Leo Hjelde is said to be on the radar 👀

Seems a good move for all parties. Full story 👇#SUFC #twitterblades #SAFC https://t.co/BSV7TXjZyq

— The72 - We Love the #EFL (@_The72) February 2, 2026

Sheffield United have been in the market for full-backs this window, after the arrival of Ki-Jana Hoever on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month. The Blades are desperately looking to climb up the table after what was an extremely slow start to the season.

Callum Morris, who played alongside Hjelde at Ross County in the 2020/21 season, complimented the player handsomely, stating that: “He has little things you probably couldn’t teach players: the composure, the want to play football all the time. He’s not scared of getting the ball anywhere, he’ll keep playing.”