Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw says it will be up to the club what happens to him in the summer, following his loan at HSV Hamburg.
The 27-year-old joined the German side in the summer on loan after a disappointing and a frustrating couple of years at Elland Road.
The deal includes an option for HSV to buy at the end of it, something they are likely to explore next summer. So far, the defender has established himself as a key player, with six appearances in the Bundesliga to date and 67% of the available minutes under his belt.
He is very much the new defensive leader in the team. Although, that could be set to change with Mario Vuskovic returning from a long-term drugs ban.
Big shoes to fill
Ironically, the Leeds defender is instead taking advantage of the departure of Luka Vuskovic in the summer transfer window. The youngster before a star during that loan spell, but the defender had no problem stepping into his shoes.
“That was never an issue for me. Everyone follows their own path,” he said, for today’s print edition of Bild.
“Even at 17, he was playing exceptionally well. You could see then what a fantastic player he is—and you can see it now at Brighton, too. I knew he was capable of playing at that level in the Premier League. In the Bundesliga, he was better than many others.”
Mario Vuskovic’s return provides the German club with a decision to make. Does he come back in to the team immediately, or enjoy a gradual return?
Similarly, do they change their system, perhaps employing a back three to fit everyone in? Bornauw would be okay with that, having played in a three at Leeds under Daniel Farke.
“At Leeds, I played all three roles, mostly on the right, but also on the left,” he added.
“They’re different tasks; in the centre, you have to be a bit less aggressive. I like to defend high up the pitch and play aggressively, which is something you can do more effectively on the right or left.”
Future choice
For now, Bornauw is just focused on making as positive an impression as possible. He was keen to get out of Leeds this summer after growing frustrated with a lack of playing time under Daniel Farke.
Now he’s getting what he wants, and they will have a decision to make on a €4.5m option to buy. The defender, though, wants it know that he’s happy where he is.
“I feel very comfortable here,” he concluded.
“I like the club, that’s the most important thing. Hamburg is also a great city to live in. HSV and Leeds will decide what happens next.”
