KV Mechelen strengthens the defense by signing
KV Mechelen have signed defender Leo Hjelde from Sunderland, on a deal running until 2029, to bolster their defense after a difficult summer in transfers.

KV Mechelen strengthens defense by signing
According to Sports.
Why this is important
KV Mechelen's signing of Leo Hjelde is an important move to strengthen the team's defense in the context that they have lost a number of key players. Hjelde, with experience from clubs such as Sunderland and Leeds, can bring stability and depth to KV Mechelen's defense next season in the Belgian National Championship.
Main point
- KV Mechelen strengthens defense by signing contracts.
- KV Mechelen have signed defender Leo Hjelde from Sunderland, on a deal running until 2029, to strengthen their defense after a difficult summer in transfers.
- KV Mechelen bolster defense by signing Norwegian defender from Sunderland.
Club KV Mechelen has just announced that it has officially signed a contract with defender Leo Hjelde from Sunderland. This 22-year-old player signed an agreement with the team playing in the Belgian National Championship (Belgian Pro League) until 2029, with the option to extend for another season.
This summer, KV Mechelen did not make many transfer deals, although last season they had a pretty good performance. Signing Hjelde will be an important step in strengthening the team's defense, especially after they lost several key players from last season.

Hjelde leaves Sunderland after making only 30 appearances for the team since joining in 2024. Previously, he had a spell at Leeds United from 2021, but only had 9 matches for the Yorkshire team. For most of the 2022/2023 season, he was on loan at Rotherham, where he gained valuable experience.
As a youth international for Norway, Hjelde was part of Celtic's training system before moving to Leeds. However, he has not had the opportunity to play for Celtic's first team. In 2021, he played briefly with Ross County before returning to Sunderland. Last season, Hjelde was not in the Sunderland squad as they enjoyed a successful season in the Premier League. Instead, he was loaned to Sheffield United in the Championship, where he made eight appearances.
Joining KV Mechelen could be a great opportunity for Hjelde to restart his career, helping this team improve its performance in the new season. Recently, KV Mechelen started the new season with a 0-2 defeat against Gent, which shows that they need to quickly find a solution to be able to compete better in the near future.
What happens next
Hjelde will need time to adapt to the new environment at KV Mechelen and will likely be an important part of the coach's squad development plan. With a contract lasting until 2029, he has the opportunity to assert himself and contribute to the team's success in the coming seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leo Hjelde?
Leo Hjelde is a 22-year-old Norwegian defender who just signed a contract with KV Mechelen Club.
Where did Leo Hjelde come from before joining KV Mechelen?
Leo Hjelde previously played for Sunderland.
Why did Leo Hjelde choose to join KV Mechelen?
Joining KV Mechelen could be a great opportunity for Hjelde to restart his career.
How long is Leo Hjelde's agreement with KV Mechelen?
Leo Hjelde's contract with KV Mechelen runs until 2029, with the option to extend for another season.
How many appearances did Leo Hjelde make for Sunderland before moving to KV Mechelen?
Leo Hjelde has made 30 appearances for Sunderland since joining in 2024.
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