KV Mechelen has confirmed the acquisition of Leo Hjelde from Sunderland. The former Celtic defender signed a contract that will keep him with KV Mechelen in the Belgian Pro League until 2029, with an option to extend for an additional season. Despite a solid performance last year, KV Mechelen has kept its transfer activities to a minimum and will rely on the 22-year-old to bolster their defense.

Hjelde departs Sunderland after featuring in only 30 matches since his arrival in 2024. Previously, he played for Leeds United, where he made nine appearances, before spending the latter half of the 2022/2023 season on loan at Rotherham. The Norwegian youth international was part of the Celtic academy before transferring to Leeds, yet did not register any senior appearances for the Glasgow club. He also had a brief spell at Ross County in 2021.

Last season, Hjelde was absent from Sunderland’s successful Premier League campaign, as he had been loaned out to Sheffield United, where he played eight matches in the Championship. The opportunity with KV Mechelen presents a chance for Hjelde to kickstart his career. The team began their new season with a 2-0 loss against Gent.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

KV Mechelen have announced the signing of Leo Hjelde from Sunderland. The former Celtic defender has signed a deal with KV Mechelen in the Belgian Pro League until 2029, with an option in place to extend this by another season. KV Mechelen have not done much business this summer despite a decent campaign last year and losing some of their key players from that success. The 22-year-old should certainly add to the KV Mechelen defence.

Hjelde leaves Sunderland having played just 30 games for the Black Cats since joining in 2024. Prior to playing for Sunderland, Hjelde had been with Leeds since 2021, although he only played nine games for the Yorkshire side, with the back end of the 2022/2023 season spent out on loan at Rotherham. The Norwegian youth international had been part of the Celtic set up until he joined Leeds, but did not make any senior appearances for the Glasgow side. He played a few months with Ross County during 2021.

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Last season, Hjelde was not part of the Sunderland side that had a fantastic season back in the Premier League. Instead, the Norwegian defender was loaned out by Sunderland to Sheffield United in the Championship, where he played eight games. KV Mechelen should give Hjelde the perfect opportunity to really get his career started. The side opened up their new campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Gent.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson