Leeds United could be forced into a reshuffle this summer as Sebastiaan Bornauw is linked with a move away. And, the free agent market might make sense for replacing him.
It’s early days after the season has drawn to a close. So, it’s always worth taking early speculation with a big pinch of salt.
However, there are some exits from Elland Road that look a lot more likely than others. Leeds look like cashing in on certain players if the offers arrive, which reports suggest are imminent.
Sebastiaan Bornauw could leave Leeds United as FC Koln remain interested
When Sebastiaan Bornauw joined for £5million from Wolfsburg as one of our first summer additions in 2025, there was an acceptance that he was joining with a limited role.
Seen as dependable backup, he fulfilled that role quite well. He stepped in when needed and helped Leeds to some big results like draws against Liverpool and Man United, plus our final win of the season against an in-form Brighton.
However, Bild report that the Belgian is subject to interest from his former employers FC Koln in the Bundesliga.
Koln have opted not to activate the permanent option in Cenk Özkacar loan deal, and it leaves them in pursuit of a replacement.
Bornauw has been linked with a return to the Bundesliga multiple times in 2026 already, and his lack of regular playing time at Elland Road might have him weighing up that move.
Leeds United must pursue John Stones as Sebastiaan Bornauw upgrade
Now that we’re in a position where we can confidently pitch to transfer targets that we’re looking to be in the Premier League for a long time, we should be looking at improvements in these areas.
If a fringe centre-back leaves, we could add serious competition to Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon with Bornauw’s replacement.
I think that move should be signing John Stones on a free transfer, after his emotional departure from Manchester City.
The recently-turned 32-year-old centre-back leaves behind a trophy-laden career at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola, presumably with offers galore on the table. A treble-winner with such experience is sure to alert most of the Premier League and beyond.
However, I’d be stunned if Leeds aren’t one of the clubs at least asking the question of the Yorkshire-born centre-back.
We can use Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor, James Justin and others as proof of concept with Stones too. He leaves Man City after injury troubles scuppered his previously indispensable role, and Leeds have proof that we can manage players that are an injury risk.
Of course, I wouldn’t want Leeds to be taking too many risks in the market. But, the opportunity to have someone capable of lifting standards as a bonafide winner would be huge for this squad.
Stones’ experience would be brilliant in this back three, either through the middle or on the right, and could lift those around him too.
I understand this would be an unlikely one to pull off with Stones sure to have interest across Europe. Although, a return to Yorkshire in the latter stages of his career might be tempting.
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