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Leeds United Defender Linked as Köln Begin Defensive Rebuild

1. FC Köln are wasting little time reshaping their squad following survival in the Bundesliga, and one of the clearest decisions has already been made in defence. According to Bild, Köln will not activate the purchase option for Cenk Özkacar following his loan spell from Valencia.

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Despite making 25 league appearances last season and becoming a regular starter towards the end of the campaign, the Turkish defender will now leave the German club as sporting director Thomas Kessler and head coach René Wagner pursue a different defensive profile.

Köln Eye Leeds United Connection

“We have informed him that we will not activate the purchase option.”

Kessler’s comments leave little ambiguity around the decision. Köln are reportedly targeting a centre back who is stronger aerially and more composed in possession, qualities they believe are essential moving forward after problems defending and attacking set pieces.

One player still linked with the Bundesliga side is Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw. The Belgian centre back, currently playing in England, reportedly remains a candidate as Köln continue evaluating defensive reinforcements this summer.

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Emotional Farewell from Özkacar

Kessler remained respectful when discussing the departing defender, adding:

“On a personal level, Cenk is a huge loss.”

The emotional side of the departure was reinforced by Özkacar himself, who posted a heartfelt message to supporters on Instagram.

“Fighting for this badge, playing in front of these incredible fans and being part of such a huge club was an unforgettable experience in my career.”

For Köln, the focus now shifts firmly towards rebuilding a defence capable of offering greater consistency during another demanding Bundesliga campaign.

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For Leeds United, links involving Sebastiaan Bornauw and Köln may create mixed reactions. On one hand, Bornauw has experience, physicality and Bundesliga familiarity, attributes that could naturally appeal to a club rebuilding defensively after a difficult season.

At the same time, many Leeds fans would question whether now is the right moment to let another experienced defender leave, especially if the club are still trying to stabilise their own squad. Defensive depth remains vital across a long Premier League campaign, and supporters know how quickly injuries can expose weaknesses.

There is also the financial aspect. If Köln are genuinely prepared to invest heavily in a replacement defender, Leeds supporters would expect the club hierarchy to demand strong value before entertaining any sale discussions.

Ultimately, Leeds fans may not view Bornauw as untouchable, but they would certainly want clarity over the club’s wider defensive plans before sanctioning another outgoing move this summer.