Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Fri 3 April 2026 15:10, UK

Leeds United cannot afford to rely on Sebastian Bornauw next season.

The Whites’ summer recruitment overhaul saw various aspects of their starting 11 improved, but also their level of depth.

Bornauw was brought in to satisfy the latter, but injuries to those ahead of him in the pecking order have seen him play more frequently than perhaps first planned.

However, if Leeds are to stay in the Premier League, they must upgrade on the Belgian defender, whose stats showcase just how poor he has been when asked to step in.

Sebastian Bornauw among Premier League’s worst for key metric

Mainly due to finances, Leeds were in a position last summer where they had to beef up their squad with numbers in some areas, as opposed to ensuring that everyone is competing for a starting place.

And on the face of it, the signing of Bornauw made plenty of sense.

He arrived after four successful years playing in the German top flight with Wolfsburg, while also having received four international caps with Belgium.

However, his performances have been a big concern, often overshadowed by bigger topics elsewhere.

Bornauw has won just 47.1 per cent of his duels in the Premier League this season, which places him among the bottom 2.2 per cent of defenders.

On top of that, his 81.5 per cent accuracy is again among the worst in the top flight, with the Belgian averaging just 25 completed passes per game.

His limitations both on and off the ball have been exposed this season, and while he may be a squad player, Leeds still need better if they remain in the Premier League.

Bornauw replacement can be put on hold for now

Replacing him with a competent squad player is going to be needed, but Leeds will have several other areas of the squad that take priority.

Most notably in goal, with Lucas Perri having had a dreadful first season in England, and neither Karl Darlow nor Illan Meslier close to being at the required level.

As well as that, the Whites need some major attacking reinforcements.

Since Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s scoring patch has ended, Leeds’ goals in general have dried up, and that will need to be rectified this summer.