Leeds United Confirm the Signing of 26-year-old Defender in £5.1m Deal | OneFootball

Leeds United Bolster Premier League Defence with £5.1m Bornauw Deal

Leeds United have added experience and physicality to their defensive ranks with the signing of Sebastiaan Bornauw from Wolfsburg for a reported £5.1 million. The 26-year-old Belgian centre-back becomes the club’s third major arrival this summer as preparations intensify ahead of their return to the Premier League.

After a season that saw Leeds clinch the EFL Championship title under Daniel Farke, expectations are high. Farke has wasted no time in reshaping his squad, with Bornauw joining fellow summer signings Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol at Elland Road.

Bornauw Brings Bundesliga and European Pedigree

Standing at 6ft 3in, Bornauw offers the kind of aerial dominance and defensive presence that could prove vital in top-flight battles. He arrives with a notable résumé, having made his name at Anderlecht before impressing in Germany. His move to Cologne in 2019 was followed by a switch to Wolfsburg, where he featured in the Champions League.

Despite an injury-disrupted 2024-25 season that limited him to just 15 Bundesliga appearances, he still managed to find the net twice, underlining his threat from set pieces. Bornauw has also earned four caps for Belgium, debuting in 2020, which adds a layer of international pedigree to Farke’s defensive unit.

Firpo Exit Marks Shift in Defensive Strategy

While Bornauw arrives, Junior Firpo departs. The left-back has left Leeds United following the expiration of his contract and is expected to return to Real Betis. It marks a changing of the guard at the back for Farke, who seems keen on building a sturdier, more robust line of defence ahead of what will be a demanding Premier League campaign.

With Firpo’s departure and Bornauw’s arrival, Leeds are signalling a tactical shift. While Firpo brought technical flair and attacking thrust from deep, Bornauw offers no-nonsense defensive assurance, something Leeds arguably lacked in past Premier League outings.

Photo: IMAGO

Eyes on Opening Day Against Everton

Leeds United will mark their return to the Premier League on Monday 18 August, welcoming Everton to Elland Road. The fixture could serve as Bornauw’s competitive debut for the Whites and a litmus test for Farke’s evolving back line.

There is a quiet confidence around the club. Farke’s track record in rebuilding squads and Bornauw’s arrival suggest that Leeds are not content with mere survival. They are gearing up for a season that demands resilience, organisation and steel at the back.

As Leeds continue to add depth and experience to their roster, the ambition is clear. The club is determined to establish itself once again in England’s top flight and, with the likes of Bornauw on board, the foundations are being firmly laid.