Leeds United’s summer rebuild is entering another crucial phase, with attention now shifting from high-profile arrivals to important departures as Daniel Farke continues reshaping his squad for the new Premier League season.
After an ambitious transfer window that has already delivered Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and record-signing James Trafford, the Whites are now preparing to trim the squad—and one deal appears to be on the verge of completion.
According to fresh reports, Sebastiaan Bornauw is expected to leave Elland Road this week, with German side Hamburg increasingly confident of finalising an agreement for the Belgian centre-back.
The move would bring an end to Bornauw’s brief spell in West Yorkshire after just one season, as the defender looks to revive his career with regular first-team football in familiar surroundings.
Leeds have been one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs this summer.
The recruitment team moved swiftly to secure Harry Wilson on a free transfer before investing £34 million in highly-rated defender Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo. The club then smashed its transfer record by landing England international James Trafford from Manchester City in a £45 million deal, underlining the 49ers’ determination to strengthen every department of Farke’s squad.
However, arrivals were always expected to be followed by departures.
Leeds still have several players whose futures remain uncertain, including Lucas Perri, Largie Ramazani, Wilfried Gnonto, Joel Piroe and Joe Gelhardt. Creating space in the squad while reducing the wage bill has become an important objective as the transfer window enters its decisive weeks.
Bornauw now appears to be next in line.
The 27-year-old struggled to establish himself as a regular starter last season, spending much of the campaign providing cover from the bench rather than competing consistently for a place in the starting eleven.
The arrival of Muharemovic has only made his situation even more difficult.
With Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon continuing to command important defensive roles, Bornauw faces an uphill battle for meaningful playing time during the upcoming campaign. A move away now offers him the opportunity to become a regular starter once again.
Hamburg believe they can provide exactly that opportunity.
The Bundesliga newcomers are pushing to strengthen their defence before the transfer deadline and view Bornauw as an experienced addition capable of bringing leadership and top-level quality to their back line.
The Belgian is no stranger to German football.
Before joining Leeds, Bornauw enjoyed six successful seasons in the Bundesliga with FC Köln and Wolfsburg, building a strong reputation as a dependable, physically dominant central defender. His familiarity with German football makes the proposed transfer an attractive solution for both player and club.
Reports indicate Hamburg are optimistic that negotiations will be completed within days, allowing Bornauw to return to a league where he previously produced some of the best football of his career.
From Leeds’ perspective, the decision is understandable.
Keeping an experienced defender who is unlikely to feature regularly offers little long-term value, particularly when the player himself is eager for consistent minutes elsewhere.
Nevertheless, his departure would create another important question for Daniel Farke.
Leeds are expected to operate with tactical flexibility throughout the season, including the possibility of using three central defenders in certain matches. Losing Bornauw would reduce the club’s defensive depth and potentially leave Farke short of experienced cover if injuries strike.
James Justin impressed when used centrally on occasions last season, showing he can provide emergency cover, but relying too heavily on positional versatility carries obvious risks across a demanding Premier League schedule.
That means Leeds could yet return to the transfer market for another centre-back before the window closes.
While Muharemovic significantly strengthens the defensive unit, the coaching staff will want sufficient competition across every position if the club is to avoid another difficult battle during the long campaign ahead.
The coming weeks promise to be busy at Elland Road.
Alongside Bornauw’s expected exit, Leeds continue working on several other outgoing transfers while simultaneously searching for another goalkeeper, an additional striker and further reinforcements capable of improving squad depth.
Farke’s rebuilding project is clearly entering its next phase.
The headline signings may already have arrived, but smart squad management could prove just as important to Leeds’ Premier League ambitions.
If Bornauw completes his expected move to Hamburg this week, it will mark another significant step in Farke’s summer overhaul—and perhaps signal that more transfer activity is still to come before deadline day.
