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'I'll never forget' - Defender bids Leeds United farewell with loan departure anticipated

Sebastiaan Bornauw has issued a farewell statement with a move away from Leeds United anticipated

Sebastiaan Bornauw has hailed Leeds United as a “truly special” club as he prepares to depart for Bundesliga outfit Hamburg.

The 27-year-old arrived at Elland Road last summer, sealing a switch from Wolfsburg for a reported £5.1m fee and penning a four-year deal.

He was dependable when called upon last term but managed just five Premier League starts, finding himself behind Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk in the pecking order.

Struijk may have left for Brighton & Hove Albion, but has been replaced by £34m signing Tarik Muharemović.

Sebastiaan Bornauw looks set to depart Leeds United for Hamburg.placeholder image

Sebastiaan Bornauw looks set to depart Leeds United for Hamburg. | Stu Forster/Getty Images

Sebastiaan Bornauw bids farewell

Bornauw looks set to seal a move to Hamburg, with reports having indicated a loan deal containing an option to buy has been teed up.

Posting on Instagram, the six-cap Belgium international said: “Dear Leeds family, It’s been a short chapter, but one I’ll never forget. The MOT family is something else - this club is truly special.

“Thanks for making me feel at home from day one. I loved every minute wearing this badge, especially those nights at Elland Road. All the best, Leeds.”

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Leeds United lining up replacement

Leeds will need to replace Bornauw and are poised to do so with the signing of Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach.

A 73-cap Switzerland international, Elevdi played with Daniel Farke during the German’s spell in charge of Mönchengladbach.

Nico Elvedi represented Switzerland at the World Cup earlier in the summer.placeholder image

Nico Elvedi represented Switzerland at the World Cup earlier in the summer. | Verity Griffin/Getty Images

The 29-year-old boasts a wealth of experience but like Bornauw did, he will have a battle on his hands to pick up Premier League minutes.

Rodon and Bijol are among Farke’s most trusted lieutenants and Muharemović has impressed in pre-season.

All three look likely to start on Saturday, when Leeds visit Nottingham Forest for their Premier League season opener.

MORE: Joel Piroe's Leeds United departure will become permanent if he reaches Premier League – despite doubts about his pedigree there

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