Sebastiaan Bornauw must be questioning his decisions as he struggles to find playing time at Leeds United. Despite joining the club for a significant fee from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer, the 26-year-old has only featured once in a Carabao Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday.
With Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk solidifying the defense, Bornauw finds himself as the fourth-choice center-back, leading to frustrations and a lack of opportunities. His dream of earning a fifth cap for the Belgium national team seems distant as he remains on the sidelines at Elland Road.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Bornauw may consider pushing for a loan move to revive his career and earn a spot in the Red Devils’ squad. Leeds United could use Bornauw’s connections to potentially secure a deal for Anderlecht midfielder Mario Stroeykens, given that his father is now the CEO of the Belgian club.
While fans sympathize with Bornauw’s situation, the priority for Daniel Farke is to field the strongest team to avoid relegation. As Rodon and Struijk prove to be a reliable partnership, Bornauw may have to look elsewhere for playing time and career progression. Despite his lack of opportunities at Leeds, there is potential for him to make a significant impact elsewhere in order to fulfill his aspirations of playing at the highest level and representing his country on the international stage. Bornauw’s determination to succeed may lead him to explore other options, such as seeking a loan move or transfer to a club where he can showcase his talents and secure regular first-team football. In the competitive world of professional football, adaptability and perseverance are key traits that players like Bornauw must possess in order to navigate challenges and ultimately achieve their goals. Time will tell what path Bornauw chooses to take in his career journey, but one thing is certain – his talent and determination will undoubtedly shape his future in the sport.
