Sebastiaan Bornauw medical done as Leeds ready new long-term contract

Sebastiaan Bornauw has taken a step closer to joining Leeds United.

The Whites’ backline was a large reason why they were relegated from the Premier League back in the 2022/23 campaign after a three-season stay in the top flight.

Daniel Farke and the 49ers seem to be aware of this, with centre back Jaka Bijol being one of the first signings at Elland Road this summer.

Now Sebastiaan Bornauw looks set to be confirmed as the latest of Farke’s defensive signings.

Bornauw completes Leeds medical ahead of Premier League campaign

Despite Leeds addressing their backline so far in the transfer window, they are still looking to add a goalkeeper ahead of the new season, with Nick Pope being linked to the Whites.

Bornauw, along with Lukas Nmecha, will be the second player to join from Wolfsburg as Farke utilises his knowledge of the Bundesliga to help United’s recruitment.

According to reports from Sky Sports (1 July), Bornauw has now completed his medical ahead of his £5.13million move to West Yorkshire.

The Belgian international is expected to sign a four-year deal at Elland Road.

Bornauw, 26, has mostly been a regular starter in the Bundesliga for six years now and will give Farke a managerial headache when it comes to who will start in the centre of his defence next season.

Injuries hampered Bornauw’s last campaign.

The signing of the towering Belgian defender gives Farke a potential option to play a back five next season, with Leeds needing to find a way to compete at a higher level in the Premier League.

Bornauw’s arrival could signal Pascal Struijk’s exit

Pascal Struijk has been incredible for Leeds in the Championship for the last two seasons under Farke.

Four quality centre-backs are needed for United next season, with injuries and dips in form to be considered.

However, only two will start most likely, and Struijk could find himself on the bench next season.

Given Bijol’s price tag and reputation, it is a fair assumption that he will start the campaign, meaning one more spot is up for grabs.

Struijk has been known to struggle with injuries over the years, meaning he could be frozen out of the starting XI if Bijol and Joe Rodon, for example, start the season well.

Struijk is undoubtedly talented, but the 49ers could look to cash in on the 25-year-old and sign someone who will be happier to play more of a backup role next season.

Whilst the sale of Struijk is not necessary, Leeds do need to move on players that are evidently not good enough for the Premier League, like Brenden Aaronson.