Leeds United‘s Sebastiaan Bornauw didn’t enjoy a good run in his debut season in the Premier League.
The Belgian moved to Germany when 1. FC Köln signed him from Anderlecht in August 2019. He spent two years with them and moved to VfL Wolfsburg in 2021.
His performances for Wolfsburg convinced Leeds United to spend around €6m in July 2025.
However, the centre-back hasn’t had a good run under Daniel Farke and has made just four Premier League starts.
His league stats are as follows:
- Appearances: 9
- Starts: 4
- Total minutes played: 215
- Minutes per game: 35
The 27-year-old’s last Premier League appearance was in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea on February 10th. Since then, he played three matches for the Whites in the FA Cup.
Back in January, FC Köln vice-president Ulf Sobek hinted his side were willing to wait for the defender in the winter market. However, he is still at Elland Road but that may change in the summer.
On March 31st, Sport Witness covered claims from Germany that the Bundesliga side can offer him an escape route after this season.
Interest in Leeds United man backed up
Bild now focus 1. FC Köln’s transfer plans for the next window. With incomings, their main priority is to sign a striker and a centre-back, who is experienced and ‘strong-in-the air’.
Sebastiaan Bornauw seems to fit their requirements and he’s the ‘top candidate’ for the defensive position.
Kicker also report FC Köln are searching for an experienced centre-back. The Leeds United player gets a mention as he already knows the club from his two-year spell between 2019 and 2021.
However, it ‘wouldn’t be cheap’ for FC Köln to take Bornauw away from the Whites, without a mention of a price.
Contract, value and agent info
Sebastiaan Bornauw’s contract expires in 2029 and he’s valued at €8m by Transfermarkt.
Leeds United could try to recover most of the fee invested to sign him a year ago. Belgian agency Stirr Associates represent the Whites defender.
