Daniel Farke Addresses Sebastiaan Bornauw Future as Leeds United Prepare for More Departures
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has provided an update on Sebastiaan Bornauw’s future as the Belgian defender considers his next move amid reported interest from Hamburg. The centre-back remains under contract at Elland Road, but discussions are ongoing regarding whether a departure would be the best option for both the player and the club.
Bornauw featured for the full 90 minutes during Leeds United’s pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Dublin. Despite taking part in the match, the defender is reportedly looking for an opportunity where he can enjoy more consistent first-team football.
The 26-year-old joined Leeds last summer for a reported fee of around £5 million. However, his first Premier League campaign did not provide the regular starting role he may have expected. He made only 10 Premier League starts, with several of those opportunities coming because of injuries to other defenders.
With Leeds already facing several areas that require strengthening and limited time remaining in the transfer window, Bornauw’s potential departure could create another position for the club to address. The Whites are understood to have identified several centre-back targets who could be considered if the Belgian eventually leaves.
Farke, however, made it clear that he continues to hold Bornauw in extremely high regard. The Leeds boss praised the defender’s professionalism and versatility, pointing out that his performances last season demonstrated his importance to the team.
According to Farke, Bornauw recorded one of the strongest points averages among Leeds players when he was selected in the starting XI. His ability to operate in different defensive positions has also made him a useful option within the squad.
Farke explained that while every footballer wants to play regularly, the club must also respect the wishes of a player who has conducted himself professionally. Leeds are therefore maintaining open discussions with Bornauw about his ambitions and possible future.
The manager also stressed that he would be perfectly comfortable if the defender remained at Elland Road. Nevertheless, if Bornauw is determined to pursue another opportunity, Farke indicated that the club would consider his wishes out of respect for his contribution.
Bornauw is not the only Leeds player facing an uncertain future. Joe Gelhardt is also reportedly close to leaving the club after Hull City agreed a deal believed to be worth approximately £4 million. Gelhardt was omitted from Leeds’ pre-season tour squad, with Farke previously acknowledging that the striker was not expected to play a major role in the upcoming campaign.
Goalkeeper Lucas Perri could also depart, with Torino reportedly interested in taking the Brazilian on loan. However, that move is currently complicated by a quad injury, with the medical process expected to become easier once the goalkeeper has recovered.
Farke also discussed Leeds’ goalkeeping situation following the arrival of James Trafford. He praised Alex Cairns for his recent performance and emphasized that players who remain under contract will continue to receive his full support.
With the transfer window entering a crucial period, Leeds could now face several important decisions. Bornauw’s future, Gelhardt’s departure and Perri’s potential loan move could all shape the final structure of Farke’s squad before the window closes.
Leave a Reply