DEAL REJECTED: Sunderland AFC Defender Leo Hjelde has just rejected signing contract with…. see more

Sunderland AFC defender Leo Hjelde is reportedly at the centre of fresh transfer speculation, with claims that the Norwegian defender has rejected a proposed contract from an interested club.

Hjelde joined Sunderland permanently from Leeds United in January 2024 on a four-and-a-half-year contract. However, his time at the Stadium of Light has become increasingly uncertain after he spent the second half of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Sheffield United.

Recent Sunderland reports have indicated that Hjelde was considered one of the fringe players likely to leave as the club reshapes its squad ahead of the new season.

The latest claim suggests that an unnamed club made an approach for the versatile defender, but Hjelde has supposedly turned down the proposed contract, leaving his immediate future unclear.

Sunderland are continuing to restructure their squad, and Hjelde’s situation is one of several departures being closely monitored. With the summer transfer window still open until 1 September 2026, further developments could emerge in the coming weeks.