Finnish centre-back Aapo Halme has agreed to join Leeds United from HJK Helsinki, it has been announced.
United announced on their official website and social media channels that Halme, 19, has secured a switch for an undisclosed fee and settled the terms of a four-year contract.
?? | #LUFC are pleased to confirm the transfer of 19 year old Aapo Halme from Finnish side HJK Helsinki on a four year contract
Read more ?? https://t.co/k2vjAktQ4b pic.twitter.com/WvqsM0Nkw9
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 3, 2018
The 6ft 4in defender previously played for FC Honka and Klubi-04 but moved to HJK in 2015. He has represented Finland at Under-19s level and was a member of the Helsinki side that won the domestic league last October.
It has been reported in England that the giant defender will link up with the club’s development squad rather than Thomas Christiansen’s senior side.
Good move for Leeds?
Christiansen ideally needs to add a senior centre-back in the January window, given the over-reliance on central defensive regulars Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper and the lack of impact made by Everton loanee Matthew Penninton. But the addition of a top young talent is always welcome, especially one of such obvious physical qualities as the 6ft 4in Finn, who appears tailor made for the rough and tumble of the Championship. Halme has already made 36 senior appearances for recently-crowned Finnish champions HJK and is a player of immense potential. But it will take time for him to settle at Elland Road and it is interesting that English reports state he will train with Leeds’ development squad and not the senior players. He is not an unreasonable signing, but fans will be keen for the club to bring in players this month for the present and not just the future.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10