Bramall Lane SOS: Sheffield United Plot Audacious Deadline Day Move for Sunderland’s Leo Hjelde
SHEFFIELD — In the high-pressure final hours of the winter transfer window, Sheffield United have been forced into a dramatic tactical pivot. Following a devastating injury blow to a key defensive asset, the Blades are reportedly exploring an eleventh-hour deal to bring Sunderland defender Leo Hjelde to Bramall Lane.
The move, first reported by The Star, comes as manager Chris Wilder scrambles to fortify his backline for a grueling Championship run-in. With the 11:00 PM deadline fast approaching, the Yorkshire side is looking to capitalize on Hjelde’s need for minutes as they fight to keep their play-off ambitions alive.
The McCallum Medical Emergency
The impetus for this sudden pursuit lies in the fallout of last weekend’s bruising encounter at Millwall. Full-back Sam McCallum was stretchered off the pitch at The Den in a scene that Chris Wilder described as “concerning,” later admitting that the defender’s season could be prematurely over.
This injury has left United in a precarious position. Before the Millwall clash, the recruitment team had prioritized central defensive cover following the high-profile departure of Ben Godfrey and the loaning of Nils Zatterstrom to Genoa. However, the loss of McCallum has left Harrison Burrows as the club’s only fit senior left-back. The Blades now find themselves in a race against time to secure a player who can solve two problems at once: providing competition for Burrows and acting as a secondary option in the heart of the defense.
Why Leo Hjelde? The Versatility Factor
Leo Hjelde has emerged as the logical solution to Wilder’s defensive puzzle. The former Leeds United man is uniquely comfortable operating both as a traditional left-back and as a left-sided center-half. This versatility is the primary driver behind Sheffield United’s interest.
Hjelde’s situation at Sunderland also makes a deal highly plausible. Following the “Black Cats'” successful return to the Premier League and subsequent squad revamp under Régis Le Bris, Hjelde has found himself sliding down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light. Having recently recovered from a significant Achilles injury, the 22-year-old is desperate for regular first-team football to regain his match sharpness—something Sunderland may not be able to guarantee in the top flight.
[Table: Sheffield United’s Defensive Depth Chart — Post-Injury Crisis]
| Position | Primary Option | Secondary/Backup | Status |
| Left-Back | Harrison Burrows | VACANT | McCallum (Out for Season) |
| Center-Back (L) | Anel Ahmedhodžić | VACANT | Zatterstrom (Loaned Out) |
| Center-Back (R) | Jack Robinson | Harry Souttar | Fit |
| The Solution | Leo Hjelde | (Target) | Offers cover for both L-Back and L-CB |
Calculated Risk vs. Reward
From a tactical perspective, the move makes sense. Hjelde possesses a wealth of Championship experience from his time with Leeds and Sunderland, meaning he could arguably “walk into the building” and make an immediate impact without a lengthy adaptation period. His arrival would provide Wilder with the tactical flexibility to switch between a back-four and a back-five—a hallmark of United’s best performances.
However, the move is not without its risks. Hjelde’s recent Achilles layoff was substantial, and questions remain regarding his immediate durability in the physically demanding environment of the Championship. The Blades’ medical staff would likely need to manage his minutes carefully to avoid a catastrophic setback that would land him back on the treatment table alongside McCallum.
The Final Sprint to the Deadline
As the clock ticks down, Sheffield United are expected to push for a loan deal until the end of the campaign. Given Sunderland’s current focus on maintaining their Premier League status and their recent recruitment of more experienced top-flight defenders, there is a growing expectation on Wearside that Hjelde will be allowed to leave.
For Sheffield United, this is a “must-land” signing. If they fail to secure a versatile defender before 11:00 PM, they face the prospect of navigating the remainder of the season with zero specialist cover on the left flank—a gamble that could derail their hopes of returning to the Premier League.