Sebastiaan Bornauw’s former coach, Friedhelm Funkel, has told HSV Hamburg they won’t be making a mistake signing the Leeds United defender this summer.
Hamburger Abendblatt report on comments from the former coach today. He’s offered his backing to the potential move this summer.
Leeds United player a smart signing
Sebastiaan Bornauw finds himself on HSV Hamburg’s summer shopping list as they seek a replacement for Luka Vuskovic.
The latter spent last season on loan from Tottenham but has now returned and subsequently been sold to Brighton and Hove Albion in a €54m deal.
HSV knew that he would not be returning but are yet to replace him in the heart of their defence. Sport Witness have covered several reports this week indicating that Bornauw is on a list of three to four players they are looking at.
But reports in Germany have indicated that the Leeds man is seen as the ideal candidate by some.
A potential move is expected to progress soon. Funkel, who worked with Bornauw at previous club 1. FC Köln would approve the move.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed for HSV,” he said.
“Sebastian is a model professional with a 100 percent attitude. He’ll still be that way today. He’s a great person and was a crucial factor for us.
“Sebastiaan is very strong in duels and in the air, and very reliable. What he said within the team was always taken very seriously.”
| Premier League 2025/26 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 12 | |||
| Started | 5 | |||
| Minutes per game | 37 | |||
| Total minutes played | 439 | |||
| Goals | 0 | |||
| Assists | 0 | |||
Can He Replace Vuskovic?
The big question is whether the 27-year-old could replace Vuskovic. The Croatian was one of the stars of the breakout stars of the Bundesliga last season, after all. Funkel has no concerns on that front, though.
“He has room for improvement in his build-up play, but he is still developing,” he added.
“HSV wouldn’t be making a mistake. He has played a bit less recently, but otherwise, HSV wouldn’t be able to get him,”
