Sunderland Agree Sale Of 22-year-old, Sell-on Clause Included | OneFootball

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Sunderland are letting highly rated defender Leo Hjelde complete a permanent move to Belgian side Mechelen.

Hjelde, 22, who can operate as a left-back or a centre-back, helped Sunderland to win promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, but failed to find favour under Regis Le Bris in the top flight.

A lack of opportunities last term saw him spend the second half of the season on loan at Sheffield United.

Now the former Celtic youngster is set to permanently end his association with Sunderland, with a deal agreed for him to join Mechelen, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

It is unclear how much Mechelen will pay for Hjelde, but Sunderland have included a sell-on clause in the agreement.

As such, they will continue to have a stake in the Norwegian’s development and potentially be in line for more cash in the future.

Hjelde is set to put pen to paper to a four-year contract at Mechelen.

Mechelen are due to kick off the new Belgian Pro League season this weekend by taking on Gent away from home.

Hjelde has never played his club football outside of the UK, with spells at Celtic, Ross County, Leeds United and Rotherham United before his switch to Sunderland.

Shortly after Hjelde joined Sunderland, he made a positive early impression and was praised by one former Black Cats star.

Now Hjelde will have to make good on his potential in Belgium, where he will hope to be playing week in, week out for Mechelen.

His exit continues Sunderland’s remodelling of their squad following a successful season in the Premier League.

Eliezer Mayenda has been sold to Rennes and he could be followed out of the door soon by Wilson Isidor,