According to Voetbalnieuws.be, Mauro Lenaerts has been transferred on loan from KV Mechelen to Helmond Sport for one season. The temporary transfer of the 18-year-old, who joined KV Mechelen from Lierse last winter, had been expected for several days. Lenaerts does not yet have prospects for a starting position at KV Mechelen and is regarded as too advanced to play with Jong KVM in the second national division. The plan is for Lenaerts to continue his development at Helmond Sport, a Dutch second division club that has had a partnership with KV Mechelen for several years, and return prepared to contribute to the first team.

Mauro Lenaerts will be loaned to sister club Helmond Sport for the season. KV Mechelen has reportedly arranged an intermediate solution for the 18-year-old Belgian-Italian attacker, who was considered too advanced for the youth team but not yet ready for a significant role in the senior squad. The Belgian club has a strong belief in the young player, and the loan is intended for him to gain experience in the Dutch second division and return as a stronger player. Joost Blaauwhof also reports that the young striker will strengthen Helmond Sport. Lenaerts is being loaned from KV Mechelen to get playing time in the KKD. Lenaerts joined KV Mechelen in January 2026, with his contract valid until June 2029, and his current Transfermarkt market value is €400k. In the 2025/2026 season, he made a total of 25 appearances in three leagues, scoring four goals and providing four assists.