Former Celtic academy player Leo Hjelde has this afternoon made his English Premier League debut for Leeds United.
There it is – a second Leeds sub. Hjelde on for Firpo. 24th minute. Seriously….
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 16, 2022
The Norwegian defender signed for the Hoops at the age of 15 from Rosenborg and was expected to be a top talent coming through the ranks at Parkhead, similar to his fellow countryman Kristoffer Ajer.
However, the youngster completed a move away from the Hoops in the summer, joining English Premier League side Leeds United, with reports suggesting that the defender was keen on a move away due to the handling of the sale of Ajer in the summer.
Last week, the 18-year old made his first appearance for his new side in the FA Cup against West Ham, and after more injury issues for the Elland Road side, Hjelde made his first appearance off the bench against the same opponents this afternoon.
Already, the talented youngster has made double the appearance for his new side than he did whilst at Celtic Park.
Given Ange Postecoglou’s use of young players from the academy this season, it would have been an exciting prospect to see the 56-year old get some time to work with the defender.
But, it just wasn’t to be, and it is good to see that a player who has developed at the Celtic academy in the last few years, featuring down south.
