A busy January transfer window for Sunderland saw a number of fringe players moving on, but one forgotten man decided to stay on Wearside, and it’s a good job he did.
Sunderland offloaded the likes of Nazariy Rusyn, Adil Aouchiche, Aaron Connolly, and more recently, Jewison Bennette, who jetted off to the Ukraine to join FC LNZ Cherkasy.
While the incomings left a lot to be desired and ultimately, Sunderland had a poor winter window, the club did make some smart decisions.
Regis Le Bris has discussed the fact he convinced some of the peripheral players to stay at Sunderland in January, and one player has proven that was a good call.
Leo Hjelde rejected moves away from Sunderland in January
Turns out, defender Leo Hjelde could have left Sunderland in January, but he didn’t want to give up on his Black Cats’ career without a fight.
Speaking to the press (via the Northern Echo), Sunderland manager Le Bris explained how he and Hjelde decided the best course of action was for him to stay put.
He said: “It was a little bit tough for Leo during the last transfer window because we had this conversation. He had opportunities to go out on loan and we talked together, I had to say that I could not promise anything because a long season like this is unpredictable.
“But we felt and I felt that he was important for the team that he would probably get an opportunity. It arose for him a couple of games ago and he showed that he was connected, a good player.”
On the role Hjelde can play in the Sunderland squad, Le Bris praised the Norwegian’s versatility across the back line.
He added: “Even if he is not a full back specifically, he can play this role for us, because in our system we play with wide wingers and our full backs are more inside to support the triangles.
“For me it was clear that he could provide this support for the centre back and left back positions.
“He has been really important for us and he deserved this chance. He played well, he has been really important for us.”
Leo Hjelde will be important for the final run-in
Le Bris has been playing up how ‘important’ Hjelde can be for Sunderland since way back in December. Unfortunately, injury and fitness levels have held him back, but he’s slowly and surely integrated into the team of late.
After playing the odd minute here and there, Hjelde really came into his own when Sunderland needed him most, with a big performance against Sheffield Wednesday.
It’s unlikely Hjelde is going to break into the starting lineup week in, week out and push the likes of Dennis Cirkin, Chris Mepham, or Luke O’Nien out of the team, but the fact he is available, even on the bench, is huge for Sunderland.
There are nine games left for Sunderland now, plus the likely play-off dates after that. To be successful there, Le Bris is going to need every man to stand up and be counted, and in that respect, he will be delighted he has Hjelde at his disposal.