Leganés youngster Pauwels shipped off to Volendam on loan deal

Belgian prospect Benjamin Pauwels is heading back to the Netherlands as Leganés continue their January clear-out operations.

Leganés and Eredivisie outfit Volendam have reached an agreement for the loan of 21-year-old winger Benjamin Pauwels until the end of the current season. The young Belgian, who only arrived at the Madrid-based club last summer, will be plying his trade in the Dutch top flight for the remainder of the campaign.

Limited impact in Spain

Pauwels, who represents Belgium at under-21 level, joined Leganés from Dutch side Cambuur in the summer transfer window. His time in Spain has been somewhat underwhelming, with the youngster managing just twelve official appearances for the ‘Pepineros’ before this temporary exit was arranged.

The loan move sees Pauwels return to familiar territory in the Netherlands, where he’ll hope to get more regular playing time at Volendam.

More transfer activity at Leganés

The club isn’t done with their transfer dealings yet. Sources suggest more departures and potentially some arrivals could be on the cards before the transfer window slams shut.

Javi Hernández also on the move

In a separate transaction, Leganés have agreed to send defender Javi Hernández to Greek side Panathinaikos on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season. The 27-year-old’s previous loan at Al-Arabi in Qatar has been terminated to facilitate this move, which includes a purchase option.

Hernández, who remains under contract with Leganés until 2027, joined the club in 2020 from Real Madrid. During his time with the ‘Pepineros’, he’s made 112 official appearances and scored nine goals, though he’s also spent time out on loan at Girona, Cádiz, and most recently Al-Arabi.

The defender will now continue his career in Greece, with Panathinaikos currently competing in this season’s UEFA Europa League.