Despite many fears before a ball was kicked this campaign, Leeds United now look in a superb position to secure Premier League survival this season.
Daniel Farke was handed over £90m worth of funds to improve the first-team ranks, with the majority of the funds being spent superbly to improve the quality available to the manager.
From huge fees to free transfers, the summer window was littered with impressive additions, which have enabled the Whites to sit above the relegation zone.
farke-leeds
The club sit six points clear of the drop zone with just 12 league games remaining in 2025/26, with their future in their division undoubtedly firmly in their own hands.
However, if Farke’s men are to have an increased chance of survival between now and the end of the season, the German must make the huge call to keep one player out of his starting eleven.
The stats behind Sebastiaan Bornauw’s struggles at Leeds
As part of their summer recruitment drive, Leeds forked out a reported £5m for the signature of centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw from German side Wolfsburg.
Given the arrival of Jaka Bijol, along with the likes of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk already on the books, the move was merely to land an experienced backup option.
Sebastiaan-Bornauw
However, the 26-year-old was handed a start against Chelsea last night, but it certainly was an evening to forget for the Belgian, who was making his first league start since the end of January.
The Belgian struggled to prevent the hosts from going two goals ahead, subsequently failing to make any tackle and making two fouls - which resulted in him picking up a yellow card.
He also only managed to come out on top in 33% of the aerial duels he entered, which resulted in the manager replacing him after just 55 minutes of the contest.
He’s only made four starts for the Whites this campaign, but upon last night’s evidence, Bornauw shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting eleven - especially if the club want to secure survival.
Leeds player should not start again alongside Bornauw
After winning the Championship title last season, it was evident that the Leeds squad was full of quality, with the hierarchy decided to add to the side rather than complete a full overhaul in the summer.
Leeds United players pose for a photo with the trophy after winning the Championship
Such a plan has certainly aided their ambitions of securing Premier League survival, as seen by their current league standing with just 12 league games remaining.
The likes of Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu and Brenden Aaronson have all maintained their starting roles in Yorkshire, which has enabled a period of continuity.
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The trio played an influential role in helping the club secure a top-flight return last time around, whilst also hoping to secure such a position come the end of May.
However, the same can’t be said for striker Joel Piroe, who, despite playing a key role last season, has failed to hit the heights he achieved in England’s second tier.
The Dutchman netted 19 league goals in his 46 Championship appearances, subsequently featuring in every game and ending the year as the division’s top-scorer.
Piroe-Brownhill-Championship-top-scorers 24-25 (timeless)
The 2025/26 season has been a huge struggle for the 26-year-old, as seen by his measly tally of 11 appearances - with only two of which coming from a starting role.
He’s only featured for a combined 208 league minutes this season, whilst also failing to score in any other competition - even missing a penalty in the FA Cup against Derby County.
Joel-Piroe-1
Piroe, who’s been labelled “anonymous” by reporter James Marshment, has simply been unable to impress in the Premier League, with his underlying figures showcasing his struggles.
He’s only managed to place two shots on target all season to date, whilst completing 33% of the dribbles he’s attempted - highlighting his lack of quality in attacking areas.
Joel Piroe - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Games started
Minutes played
Goals scored
Aerials won
Duels won
Dribbles completed
Shots on target
He’s also managed to win 20% of the aerial duels he’s entered, along with 18% ground duels won - numbers which showcase he’s not physically built for the Premier League.
Piroe has only managed seven league minutes of action in 2026, with the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha undoubtedly pushing him further down the pecking order. The fact the latter was preferred, and indeed scored against Chelsea on Tuesday evening only confirmed that the former Swansea man isn't really near Farke's plans.
Joel-Piroe
It’s certainly a sad sight to see, given his importance to the club last season, but ultimately, he’s not at the level required to succeed and impress at Elland Road anymore.
As a result, he shouldn’t start for the club again in their hunt for survival, with a summer move for both him and Bornauw certainly becoming a distinct possibility.
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