Credit: Imago

Sebastiaan Bornauw set for Leeds transfer heartbreak after what Daniel Farke does

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with a Masters in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University; transfer and club specialist across the Breaking Media network. FOCUS Transfer news, breaking stories, and club-level insight across the Premier League and EFL. THE INSIGHT Aheed utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the foundations behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

24 Dec 2025, 10:40 am

Sebastiaan Bornauw may have to compromise at Leeds United in the winter transfer window.

The 26-year-old moved to the Whites from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer but has struggled for game time in LS11.

FC Koln have expressed interest in signing Bornauw in January, and it remains to be seen how his situation develops in the coming days.

Daniel Farke could potentially struggle to sign players at Elland Road due to the Profit and Sustainability Rule, and the recent changes at the West Yorkshire outfit may not bode well for the Belgian centre-back.

Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw

Bornauw hasn't played much since moving to Leeds. Credit: Imago

Daniel Farke needs Sebastiaan Bornauw at Leeds United

Farke has turned things around at Leeds after some exceptional performances in recent matches.

The German manager has changed the system at Elland Road, playing a 5-3-2 formation after struggling to get results.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been heroic under Farke, scoring in five consecutive league games.

Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk have formed a solid trio for the Whites, but an injury to any one of them could potentially derail their season.

Leeds have signed Wolfsburg defender Sebastiaan Bornauw on a four-year deal for a fee of £5.1m ✍️🟡 pic.twitter.com/LTIEN21jOz
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 1, 2025

Bornauw's continuity has arguably become pivotal for the West Yorkshire outfit after the change in formation, and he may not be allowed to leave unless a new defender arrives.

Read More: Leeds ready Terem Moffi transfer as striker wants out in January

Daniel Farke foolish as Elland Road exit ruled out

Farke admits Illan Meslier can stay at Elland Road in January despite being surplus to requirements.

The French goalkeeper lost his place in the starting lineup to Karl Darlow last season after making some abysmal errors in between the sticks for Leeds.

Lucas Perri has now cemented his place as the Whites' number one, with the Wales international playing as the backup.

Meslier is now effectively the third-choice shot-stopper at the West Yorkshire outfit, and while they might not be able to get a lot of money for the 25-year-old whose contract expires at the end of the season, it would make sense to get him off the wage books.

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Daniel Farke

Sebastiaan Bornauw