Sunderland have sanctioned a departure this week amid claims of a new move for a player they want to keep
Leo Hjelde is on the brink of leaving Sunderland to join Belgian top-tier side KV Mechelen.
It’s understood that the two clubs have agreed a deal that will see the defender move on a permanent deal, signing a four-year contract. Hjelde has represented Sunderland regularly during the pre-season campaign having spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, but was always expected to move on in search of regular first-team football. With the move now advanced, Hjelde is not expected to be involved in either of Sunderland’s friendlies with RC Lens on Saturday.
The Echo understands that Sunderland will retain a sell-on clause as part of the deal between the two clubs, and so will benefit from Hjelde’s potential future development. Having arrived on a permanent deal from Leeds United in the January of 2024, he went on to be a regular in the squad that went on to achieve promotion back to the Premier League. He will depart having made 32 competitive appearances for the Black Cats.
Sunderland transfer rumour: Hull City launch Wilson Isidor bid
Meanwhile, Hull City have according to Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni launched a bid for Wilson Isidor.
Bendoni reports that the newly-promoted team have made an opening bid of £10 million plus add-ons, which is expected to be turned down. There has been ongoing uncertainty over Isidor’s future this year as he enters the final two years of his current contract and with Brian Brobbey firmly established as the club’s starting centre forward. However, Sunderland have told suitors (including West Ham United) that they do not want to sell this summer. A bid of £10 million would fall a long way short of what would be required to change that stance, and having already sold Eliezer Mayenda this summer the club would need to recruit a replacement.