Leeds United are reportedly about to sell Aapo Halme to their Championship rivals this summer.
According to a report from Helsingin Sanomat, Leeds have agreed a deal that will see Aapo Halme join Barnsley on a permanent basis this summer.
Halme moved to Elland Road during the 2018 January transfer window, but quickly became a forgotten man for the Championship side as he struggled with injury during the first few months of his spell in England.
Under Marcelo Bielsa however, Halme forced his way onto the periphery of the first-team, making his senior debut for the Whites against Bristol City in November 2018 as Leeds dealt with an injury crisis that plagued their entire campaign.
The 21-year-old may have been hoping to secure more game-time for the Peacocks this season, but it appears that he is set to secure a new challenge with a report linking the centre-back with a move.
Finnish outlet Helsingin Sanomat reports that Halme has agreed a permanent deal with Barnsley, who are preparing for their first campaign back in the second tier having secured promotion last season.
Surprise decision?
Leeds may have added Ben White to their ranks this summer, but it is still something of a surprise that Halme is set to be given a chance to leave Elland Road permanently.
He showed some promise when used by Bielsa last season – most notably, when he come on away at Sheffield United before the turn of the year.
But with plenty of options ahead of him in the pecking order and some problems with injury in the past, Leeds may feel that Barnsley’s reported offer is too good for the club to snub.
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