Pauwels ships off to Volendam on loan deal until season's end
Young Belgian winger Benjamin Pauwels heads back to the Netherlands on loan from Leganés to Eredivisie side Volendam for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
Leganés have agreed to send their young Belgian talent Benjamin Pauwels on loan to Dutch side Volendam until the end of the season, with more transfer activity potentially on the cards for the Madrid-based outfit.
Dutch Return for Belgian Prospect
Pauwels, a 21-year-old winger who represents Belgium at U-21 level, will be making a swift return to familiar territory in the Netherlands. The youngster only arrived at Leganés last summer from Dutch side Cambuur but will now continue his development in the Eredivisie with Volendam.
During his brief stint with the Pepineros, Pauwels managed to make 12 official appearances, though seemingly without cementing himself as a regular in the squad. The temporary move suggests Leganés are keen for the promising Belgian to gain more consistent playing time rather than warming the bench in Spain.
Transfer Window Activity
Sources close to the club suggest this might not be the last bit of business for Leganés before the transfer window slams shut. The Madrid suburb side are reportedly exploring both incoming and outgoing options as they look to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the campaign.
Javi Hernández Also on the Move
In a separate transaction, Leganés have also reached an agreement with Greek giants Panathinaikos for the loan of defender Javi Hernández. The 27-year-old’s previous loan spell with Qatari club Al-Arabi has been terminated to facilitate this new move.
Hernández, who is contracted with Leganés until 2027, initially joined from Real Madrid in 2020 and has made 112 appearances for the club, finding the net nine times – a decent return for a defender.
The loan deal with Panathinaikos runs until the end of the 2025/26 season and includes a purchase option. The Greek side are currently competing in the UEFA Europa League, offering Hernández a chance to test himself on the continental stage.
It’s been a proper busy one for the Cucumber Growers in this window, and I wouldn’t bet my dog and bone on them being finished just yet.