Leeds United ‘land Harry Maguire 2.0’ as four-year contract set to be agreed
Leeds United are closing in on their third signing of the summer transfer window, and it is an exciting one.
Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha have already moved to Elland Road this summer, and a powerhouse defender will now join them.
Leeds had one of the best defensive records as they won the Championship last season, but extra quality will be necessary as they aim to make the step up to the top flight.
Bijol will add leadership to the back line, having captained Udinese last season, and Leeds may now sign the ideal partner for him.
Leeds close in on Sebastiaan Bornauw signing
Leeds are now closing in on the signing of Sebastiaan Bornauw from German side Wolfsburg, with a deal set to be completed in the coming days.
Bornauw is set to sign a four-year contract at Leeds, and will arrive as an international centre-back entering his prime years.
| Wolfsburg | Games | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| Bornauw | 15 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
Leeds have now agreed a fee for Bornauw, who has earned four caps for the Belgium national team, and he will be a useful addition to Daniel Farke’s roster of centre-backs.
With Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu already in tow, Bornauw could partner Bijol at the back, and he could end up being Leeds’ answer to Harry Maguire.
Bornauw compared to Maguire
FBref list Maguire as number seven in the list of player most alike Bornauw statistically speaking, and it is easy to see why, as the England star has a lot of similarities to Bornauw.
Bornauw stands a few centimetres taller than Maguire, and will join Leeds as a true physical powerhouse. He ranks in the top one per cent of centre-backs for aerial duels won over the past 12 months, as well as for goals, making him vital in both boxes when it comes to set pieces.
Bornauw (82 per cent) and Maguire (85.5 per cent) also complete an almost identical number of passes per 90 minutes.
Like Maguire, Bornauw is also comfortable on the left side of defence while being right-footed, and this will give Farke more options for next season.
Farke could be tempted to switch to a back three, with Bijol and Bornauw alongside one of Ampadu or Rodon, and this would give Leeds more physical security at the back against some of Europe’s best attackers.
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