Sunderland sanction Leo Hjelde move, Hull City ‘launch bid’ for Wilson Isidor | OneFootball

Sunderland have sanctioned a departure, with Leo Hjelde close to joining Belgian top-flight side KV Mechelen on a four-year contract.

According to Sky Sports, newly-promoted Hull City have lodged an opening £10 million bid plus add-ons for Wilson Isidor, which is expected to be turned down.

The clubs are understood to have reached an agreement. Hjelde featured regularly in pre-season after spending the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, but was expected to seek regular first-team football. With the move advanced, he is not expected to play in either of Saturday’s friendlies against RC Lens.

Sunderland will retain a sell-on clause in the deal, leaving scope to benefit from the defender’s future progress. Signed from Leeds United in January 2024, he became a regular in the squad that won promotion back to the Premier League. He will depart having made 32 competitive appearances.

There has been uncertainty over Isidor’s future as he enters the final two years of his current contract and with Brian Brobbey established as the starting centre forward. Sunderland have told suitors, including West Ham United, that they do not want to sell this summer. A £10 million offer falls well short of what would be needed to alter that stance, and with Eliezer Mayenda already sold the club would need to recruit a replacement.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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