Southampton reportedly keeping tabs on Celtic youngster

Celtic have had a disappointing campaign on a number of levels, and the Academy has been no exception. Already losing a talent like Cameron Harper to the New York Red Bulls, another youngster is being linked with a move away as well.

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Southampton are keeping tabs on Leo Hjelde. Coming to the club in 2019 as a great prospect from Rosenborg, the Norwegian youth international is yet to make a first-team appearance.

Hjelde, the son of former Nottingham Forest defender Jon Olav Hjelde, was sent out on loan to Ross County in January. According to stats from Transfermarkt, there he has already made 9 appearances, finding the back of the net on one occasion.

Naturally a centre-back, he is also capable of playing at left-back when called upon to do so. And while his loan deal is set to expire at the end of the season, Hjelde’s contract with the Hoops will run out in the summer of 2022.

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Should Celtic let Hjelde leave?

Letting another highly-rated Academy player go would not be promising for the future of the club. They have lost a number of youngsters over the past several years and that is an issue that needs to be fixed quickly.

The dilemma for Southampton might be between Hjelde and the Rangers’ Kyle McClelland, as they are believed to have been keeping tabs on both of the young defenders.

It would be understandable if Hjelde wants to leave in case an offer comes in from Southampton. Not only will that mean the chance to play in the Premier League, but there is also the fact that Celtic’s recent record of bringing through academy players into the first-team has not been impressive.

Even then, one feels that Hjelde’s best option might be to stay at Parkhead for the summer to see where he fits into the plans of the new manager. Once he sees that, he can make a decision regarding his future.