Leeds United set to announce third signing of the summer with medical ‘done’
Leeds United Continue Busy Summer with Sebastiaan Bornauw Deal Close to Completion
Leeds United have already made notable moves in the transfer market as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. The club has secured two signings so far: Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol and German forward Luka Nmecha. However, these are expected to be just the beginning of what could become a very active window for the Yorkshire outfit.
Leeds are tipped to be one of the most aggressive Premier League sides in terms of recruitment this summer, with numerous arrivals anticipated at Elland Road in the coming weeks. The latest development involves Belgian centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw, who is reportedly on the verge of becoming the Whites’ third signing of the window.
Bornauw emerged as a strong target only yesterday, and developments have moved quickly since then. Leeds have now agreed a fee slightly above £5 million with Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, and the 26-year-old has already undergone his medical in West Yorkshire on Monday. Reports from Sky Sports journalist Zinny Boswell confirm that only minor contract formalities remain, with Leeds simply putting the final touches on the deal before it is officially announced.
The potential addition of Bornauw aligns with Leeds United’s clear recruitment strategy this summer — acquiring players with strong physical attributes who can thrive in the intensity of the Premier League. Though Bornauw is likely to serve primarily as a rotational or depth option in central defence, his physical presence and aerial prowess are qualities that have not gone unnoticed by supporters and analysts alike.
Interestingly, Bornauw has long been on the radar of English clubs. Former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder previously attempted to bring him to Bramall Lane, while Leeds boss Daniel Farke also tried to sign the defender during his tenure at Norwich City back in 2021. If this deal goes through, it will mark the first time Farke finally gets to work with the Belgian international.
Bornauw is known for his no-nonsense defending and composure at the back. His playing style is inspired by three key centre-backs, and he has drawn comparisons to legendary Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten, who is coincidentally also his agent. With van Buyten now involved in negotiating the finer aspects of the contract, Leeds are hopeful the process will be wrapped up smoothly and swiftly.
The centre-back has previously worn a variety of shirt numbers during his club and international career — including 33, 45, 20, 15, 16, and 2 — but the number 3 shirt holds personal significance. With Junior Firpo departing Elland Road earlier this summer, the number 3 jersey is now vacant, and it would be quite fitting if Bornauw took it up, especially as he prepares to become Leeds’ third summer signing.
During his time at Wolfsburg, Bornauw was more of a squad option than a guaranteed starter, often used in a rotation system. Nonetheless, he left a strong impression as a dependable and dominant aerial presence, particularly effective during set-pieces. At Wolfsburg, he shared the dressing room with Luka Nmecha and Josuha Guilavogui, so a reunion with Nmecha at Leeds could help him settle quickly into the new environment.
With Bornauw’s transfer all but complete, Leeds United could quickly turn their attention to securing their next target, with Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach heavily linked in recent days. Stach is viewed as a strong option to reinforce the midfield after Leeds missed out on Habib Diarra, and his arrival could follow shortly after Bornauw’s.
The energy around Elland Road continues to build as fans eagerly await more arrivals. With Premier League football back on the horizon and Daniel Farke actively shaping the squad, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be an ambitious one for Leeds United — and Sebastiaan Bornauw is the next piece of the puzzle.