# KV Mechelen player transfers 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kv-mechelen-player-transfers-2026
> Updated: 2026-08-07T21:24:59.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, Belgian side KV Mechelen sent 18‑year‑old forward Mauro Lenaerts on loan to Dutch second‑division club Helmond Sport to secure regular playing time, while also exploring a possible sale of left‑back José Marsa to Spanish La Liga team Malaga, though no formal bid had been received.

A week later, in early August 2026, the club completed a permanent signing of 22‑year‑old Norwegian centre‑back Leo Hjelde from Sunderland AFC. The four‑year contract includes a sell‑on clause that will benefit Sunderland if the player is later transferred. These moves illustrate Mechelen’s active summer transfer window, combining loan arrangements, potential outbound deals, and inbound permanent acquisitions.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Norwegian defender Leo Hjelde signs four‑year deal with KV Mechelen

Leo Hjelde, 22, leaves Sunderland for KV Mechelen on a four‑year deal, with Sunderland keeping a sell‑on clause.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/norwegian-defender-leo-hjelde-signs-fouryear-deal-with-kv-mechelen

### 2026-07-29: KV Mechelen loans striker Lenaerts to Helmond Sport, may sell defender Marsa to Malaga

KV Mechelen loans 18‑year‑old striker Mauro Lenaerts to Helmond Sport for the season and is reportedly negotiating a €3.5 million sale of defender José Marsa to Malaga.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kv-mechelen-loans-striker-lenaerts-to-helmond-sport-may-sell-defender-marsa-to-malaga

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Cite as: KV Mechelen player transfers 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kv-mechelen-player-transfers-2026