Norwegian defender Leo Hjelde signs four‑year deal with KV Mechelen

Twenty‑two‑year‑old Norwegian centre‑back Leo Hjelde has completed a permanent transfer from Sunderland AFC to Belgian Pro League club KV Mechelen. The move includes a four‑year contract, and Sunderland will retain a sell‑on clause, giving the English club a future financial interest in the player.

Hjelde began his professional career at Celtic, joining the Scottish club’s academy at 15 and later gaining first‑team experience on loan at Ross County. He moved to Leeds United in 2021, then signed for Sunderland in January 2024, where he helped the team win promotion to the Premier League before spending the latter part of the season on loan at Sheffield United. The transfer to Mechelen marks his first permanent move outside the United Kingdom.