Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Tue 2 June 2026 15:10, UK

Sebastian Bornauw is looking increasingly likely to depart Leeds United this summer.

Given the campaign they have had, most of the focus will be on adding to the squad as opposed to taking away from it this summer.

With that said, several exits will still be expected, with Bornauw likely to be one of them.

The Belgian defender only moved to Elland Road last summer as a cover defender, making a total of 17 appearances across all competitions.

Bornauw has been linked with an exit from Leeds, with FC Koln’s plans behind a move now revealed.

Sebastian Bornauw’s exit from Leeds

Bornauw has been linked with Koln several times over the last few months, and that interest has resurfaced ahead of the summer transfer window.

That is according to Bild, who reported that he was close to a move back to Germany in January, though the Whites seemingly opted against letting him go.

They may return for him this summer, though it’s believed that Bornauw is third on their list of defensive targets, with sporting director Thomas Kessler also in talks with two other defenders.

It’s claimed that the only chance of a deal going through would be if it were to be a loan, with it not yet known if Leeds would be willing to sanction it.

Bornauw’s contract situation examined

The Belgian signed a four-year deal with Leeds last summer, meaning he will still have three years left come the end of June.

In that regard, Leeds are in a healthy position to keep him at Elland Road should they choose to do so.

However, much of that decision will hinge on where Daniel Farke sees him in his plans, with the arrival of another central defender likely to be enough for them to sanction his exit.