Hassane Bandé is seeking a fresh start in his footballing career, with hopes of returning to Belgium and reuniting with former club KV Mechelen.
The 26-year-old Burkinabe forward, currently a free agent following his departure from Finnish side HJK Helsinki, is exploring options for the next chapter of his professional journey.
According to Het Nieuwsblad, Bandé is particularly keen on a move back to Mechelen — the club where he made his European breakthrough.
A close associate of the player revealed his desire to return to familiar surroundings. “He would love to play in Belgium again,” the source said. “And he would love more than anything to play football again in Mechelen.”
Bandé, who hails from Kombissiri and began his football education at Salitas in Burkina Faso, signed his first European contract with KV Mechelen in the summer of 2017.
His time at the Belgian outfit was short but impactful. During the 2017–18 season, he scored 12 goals and registered one assist across 27 appearances in all competitions, earning recognition as one of the league’s brightest young prospects.
However, his career trajectory has since taken a more challenging turn. Following stints in various European leagues, including a spell at HJK Helsinki in Finland, Bandé has struggled to replicate the form that once made him a rising star.
His time in Helsinki yielded modest returns — during the 2024–25 season, he managed just two goals and one assist across 19 appearances in all competitions.
Despite these difficulties, the striker remains motivated to revive his career. Returning to KV Mechelen, where he enjoyed his most successful period, is viewed by Bandé as an ideal opportunity to rediscover his confidence and form.
While the player’s interest is clear, it remains uncertain whether Mechelen will be open to re-signing him. The Belgian Pro League side has yet to make any public statement regarding their interest in bringing Bandé back into the fold.
Given the evolution of their squad since his departure, the decision may hinge on the club’s current tactical needs and recruitment strategy.
From a financial perspective, Bandé’s market value has declined. According to Transfermarkt, he is currently valued at €350,000.
During his time in Finland, he earned an annual salary of €42,827, suggesting he could be a relatively low-risk acquisition for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Bandé’s future remains in limbo, but his ambitions are clear. With his heart set on a return to Belgian football — and particularly to KV Mechelen — the coming weeks could prove decisive for the Burkinabe international.
A return to familiar ground may yet offer the opportunity for a career resurgence, but it will ultimately depend on whether Mechelen sees a place once more for their former star.
