Sunderland centre-back Leo Hjelde has joined Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen on a three-year contract, with a club option for a further year.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Black Cats from Leeds United on a four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2024, only made 30 first-team appearances for the club.
Hjelde spent the second half of last season on loan with Championship side Sheffield United, however he only featured eight times for Chris Wilder's side.
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