Sunderland confirm another defender exit as Florent Ghisolfi continues summer overhaul | OneFootball

Sunderland have confirmed defender Leo Hjelde has left for KV Mechelen on a permanent deal, as Florent Ghisolfi continues his summer overhaul.

KV Mechelen sporting director Tom Caluwé said he was confident Hjelde’s experience would help their back line, described him as their first defensive signing of the window, and added the club are still working on further deals.

The 22-year-old has signed an initial three-year contract with an option for a further season. It is understood Sunderland have retained a sell-on clause. Hjelde featured during the early stages of pre-season but was expected to move on to seek regular football.

He joined in January 2024 and made 30 appearances for Sunderland, including 17 league outings in the 2024/25 Championship promotion-winning campaign. Last season he spent time on loan at Sheffield United, making eight appearances.

Mechelen began their league campaign last weekend with a 2-0 defeat against Gent.

His departure forms part of Ghisolfi’s drive to reduce numbers and costs before the new season. Anthony Patterson completed a bumper move to Wrexham earlier today, Arthur Masuaku joined Konyaspor yesterday, and Abdoullah Ba is close to joining League One side Peterborough United.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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