🇧🇪 Sebastiaan Bornauw to Leeds United: A Four-Year Pursuit Nears Its Conclusion as Farke Builds a Fortress
Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Sebastiaan Bornauw, with reports confirming the towering Belgian defender is undergoing a medical on Monday, before signing a four-year deal at Elland Road. The move, worth a modest £5 million, has the hallmarks of a well-planned acquisition: cost-effective, experienced, physically imposing, and — crucially — a player Daniel Farke has admired for years.
With Leeds aiming to go one step further in their push for promotion after falling short in the 2023–24 playoffs, Bornauw’s arrival signals a clear intention: build from the back, with elite physicality and mental resilience. This is not a signing born from panic or impulse, but rather one that completes a circle nearly four years in the making.
👤 Who is Sebastiaan Bornauw?
Born in Wemmel, Belgium, in 1999, Sebastiaan Bornauw came through the ranks at Anderlecht, one of the most historic academies in Europe. He made his professional debut in 2018, catching the eye with his blend of traditional defending and maturity beyond his years. In 2019, he moved to the Bundesliga with 1. FC Köln, where he became one of the youngest central defenders in the league to play regularly.
His form earned him a €13.5 million move to VfL Wolfsburg in 2021, where he continued to develop in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. Known for his aerial prowess, commanding presence, and leadership qualities, Bornauw also made his debut for the Belgian national team, though competition from the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Wout Faes limited his appearances.
Key Attributes:
Height: 6’4″ (1.94m)
Strengths: Aerial duels, defensive positioning, leadership, set-piece threat
Weaknesses: Lacks elite pace; not a natural ball distributor
Career Bundesliga Appearances: Over 100
International Caps (Belgium): 5
While not a flashy name, Bornauw brings what every promotion-chasing side needs: consistency, experience, and physical steel. And at just 26, he still has his prime years ahead of him.
🔁 The Farke Connection: A Four-Year Courtship
This is not a player who’s landed on Farke’s radar by chance. In fact, Daniel Farke first tried to sign Bornauw back in 2021, during his time at Norwich City, fresh off a second Championship title. Norwich were preparing for Premier League survival, and Bornauw was seen as a defensive upgrade. The interest was real — and confirmed by Bornauw himself in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws:
“Norwich and Crystal Palace were interested, as was Lazio, but Wolfsburg was the best choice at the time. The Bundesliga is not inferior to the Premier League, but one day, I want to make the step to England.”
That “one day” has now arrived. Bornauw’s signing is deeply personal for Farke — a player he identified and admired years ago, now being brought in as part of a rebuild that reflects the German’s vision more clearly than ever.
🧠 Tactical Fit: Defence First, Promotion Next
🔒 Leeds’ Central Defence Before Bornauw:
Joe Rodon – Now permanent, intelligent, athletic, excellent in a high line.
Jaka Bijol – Another summer addition, brings leadership, aerial ability, and calm on the ball.
Pascal Struijk – Returning from injury, still a fan favorite, but has become a bit of a utility man.
Charlie Cresswell – On the fringes, could be loaned out again.
James Debayo – Highly-rated youth prospect but not ready for regular minutes.
🧱 Centre-Back Options Now:
Rodon + Bijol = expected starting pair.
Bornauw slots in as the third man, offering rotation and direct competition.
Struijk may now act as left-back cover or fourth-choice CB.
Wöber has been told he can leave — a clear sign of squad restructuring.
Bornauw gives Farke the option to switch to a back three, especially in tough away games or to shut down opponents late in matches. His aerial strength also enhances Leeds’ defensive set-piece stability, an area where they’ve often struggled.
🔎 Pascal Struijk: The Biggest Question Mark
Perhaps the most intriguing fallout from Bornauw’s arrival is what it means for Pascal Struijk. Once seen as the future of the Leeds backline, Struijk now finds himself at best fourth choice. With the club still searching for a specialist left-back, Farke may once again ask Struijk to deputise on the flank — a role he has filled with mixed results in the past.
This could work short-term, especially in a more defensive left-back setup, but it’s not a permanent fix. Struijk himself may need clarity on his long-term role. If he isn’t viewed as a starting centre-back or full-back, he could consider his options in January or next summer.
💷 £5 Million: A Bargain in Today’s Market
For context, £5 million for a 26-year-old Belgian international with over 100 Bundesliga appearances is exceptional value. Wolfsburg were willing to part with Bornauw because he was entering the final year of his contract, and Leeds have smartly capitalised.
This is a signing rooted in opportunism and planning, not panic — a departure from some of Leeds’ past missteps in the market.
Compare that with:
£15m paid for Junior Firpo in 2021
£10m+ quoted for unknown Championship full-backs this summer
Bornauw’s deal is financially sound, football-wise logical, and emotionally satisfying for Farke.
⚽ The Bigger Picture: Leeds’ Promotion Blueprint
Bornauw becomes the third confirmed signing of the summer:
- Jaka Bijol (centre-back)
- Lukas Nmecha (striker)
- Sebastiaan Bornauw (centre-back)
The emphasis on strengthening the spine of the team is clear — and smart. Leeds conceded 42 goals last season (3rd best in the league), but it wasn’t just about the number. It was the nature of those goals: poor marking, set-piece errors, and lapses in communication. Bornauw addresses those issues directly.
Likely Next Priorities:
A left-back, either via transfer or internal solution (e.g., Struijk)
Possibly a midfielder, depending on Archie Gray’s situation
A winger or second striker to complement Nmecha, if Summerville or Gnonto depart
🏟️ Looking Ahead: Leeds United 2024/25 – Now Armed for Battle
With Bornauw added to the ranks, Leeds can now enter the season with a fully reinforced backline. Assuming no injuries or sales, the team’s defense is deeper and more balanced than at any point in the last three years.
🔮 Possible XI (4-2-3-1):
Meslier
Spence Rodon Bijol Struijk (or new LB)
Gray Ampadu
Summerville Rutter Gnonto
Nmecha
With Bornauw ready to slot in as needed — or even push into the XI — Farke now has the ability to rotate without a drop in quality, something Leeds lacked in 2023–24.
🔚 Final Thoughts: A Signing of Purpose, Patience, and Precision
Sebastiaan Bornauw’s move to Leeds is not flashy — but it’s quietly one of the smartest moves of the summer in the Championship. He brings Bundesliga steel, international experience, and mental resilience, all of which will be critical in the long slog of a promotion campaign.
For Farke, it’s also personal: a player he wanted in 2021, now arriving when he’s building a team in his full image. For Leeds United, it’s a sign of progress: thoughtful recruitment, strategic planning, and a squad built to last.
The 2024/25 campaign hasn’t kicked off yet — but with Bornauw in the fold, Leeds are already ahead of the game.