One Leeds United defender is already emerging as a possible target on the continent.
Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw has re-emerged as a potential summer transfer target for German outfit FC Koln.
Recent reports from Germany identified Bornauw as a potential target for Koln, should they avoid relegation from the Bundesliga. The Billy Goats eventually finished 14th, six points above the drop zone, with national outlet Bild reporting their summer plans are already in ‘full swing’.
A key area of recruitment for Koln is central defence, with club chiefs reportedly deciding not to trigger a permanent option in defender Cenk Ozkacar’s loan from Valencia. The German side are said to be planning a restructure in that area of the pitch, with any new arrivals needing to be strong in the air and good with the ball.
According to Bild, one ‘candidate’ to fit that profile is Bornauw whose towering 6ft 3ins frame lends itself well to aerial battles. The Belgian has been at his best in a Leeds shirt when defending crosses with much of the play in front of him, while despite failing to score his attacking set-piece threat has been present.
“We informed him [Ozkacar] that we will not be exercising the purchase option,” Koln sporting director Thomas Kessler is quotes as telling Bild. "As a person, Cenk is a huge loss.
“Despite the negative news, our final conversation was very positive; he wished us and the club all the best. But we did have issues with set pieces, both offensively and defensively. We need to improve in that area."
Sebastiaan Bornauw eyed to fix set-piece issue
Koln conceded 21 goals from set-pieces during the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, more than anyone else in the division. They also scored just eight in the other box, more than just two other teams in Hamburger SV and Werder Bremen.
Bornauw is reportedly seen as a potential option to fix this issue in both boxes, although it remains to be seen if he or Leeds would approve a summer exit. The 27-year-old still has three years remaining on the deal he signed last summer and has shown no obvious sign of wanting to cut that short.
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Leeds could be looking at some defensive changes this summer, although at present Pascal Struijk feels the most likely to move given his contract situation. The Dutchman is into the final 12 months of his current terms and after an impressive season back in the Premier League, would be expected to attract interest.
In a message penned to fans earlier this week, Whites chairman Paraag Marathe hinted there will be an element of player trading this summer. He said: "We remain ambitious but measured and deliberate, understanding that it will take three long-fought seasons before we can truly operate like an established Premier League side.
"This summer, instead of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) will impact our transfer market approach. As our accounts reflect, we spent every penny possible, as promised, to earn promotion and keep the club in the Premier League. Our approach to the transfer market will once again be strategic and disciplined to comply with regulations while striving further to improve, and players will both arrive and depart as a result."
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