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Sources: Sunderland close to double transfer deal as Florent Ghisolfi reshapes squad Sunderland are closing in on permanent exits for Leo Hjelde and Arthur Masuaku as Florent Ghisolfi continues reshaping Régis Le Bris’ squad Sunderland are closing in on two further departures, with Leo Hjelde set to join Belgian side KV Mechelen and Arthur Masuaku poised to complete a move to Turkish club Konyaspor. Sources have confirmed progress on both deals as sporting director Florent Ghisolfi continues to streamline Régis Le Bris’ squad ahead of the new Premier League and Europa League campaigns. Hjelde is set to leave Sunderland permanently and sign a four-year contract with KV Mechelen. The Black Cats are expected to retain a sell-on clause as part of the agreement, allowing them to benefit financially should the 22-year-old move on again in the future. The Norway youth international joined Sunderland from Leeds United in January 2024 and went on to feature during the club’s promotion-winning campaign. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United before returning to the Academy of Light this summer. His route to regular football has become increasingly difficult following Sunderland’s rapid strengthening, however, and a permanent move to Belgium will provide Hjelde with the opportunity to establish himself elsewhere. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri first reported the agreement with Mechelen. Masuaku, meanwhile, is set to return to Turkey with Konyaspor after a proposed move had previously collapsed. The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel. Reports from Turkey indicated that the deal had been revived and The Echo understands that information to be correct. Masuaku is due to travel to Turkey on Monday to undergo a medical ahead of completing the transfer, with Turkish journalist Halil Yılmaz first reporting the latest breakthrough. The experienced DR Congo international joined Sunderland on a free transfer from Besiktas last summer but struggled for regular opportunities before spending the second half of the campaign on loan with RC Lens. Masuaku subsequently returned to Sunderland but was notably absent from both Black Cats squads that faced Lens in France on Saturday, despite several players who had returned late following the World Cup being given minutes. The impending exits of Hjelde and Masuaku would further clear Sunderland’s left-sided defensive options at a time when Ghisolfi is actively pursuing reinforcements. Toulouse youngster Dayann Methalie remains a significant target, while Sunderland have also been credited with interest in Sassuolo and Scotland left-back Josh Doig.