FC Koln ‘to consider’ Leeds defender Sebastiaan Bornauw this summer | OneFootball

Sebastiaan Bornauw has re-emerged as a summer option for FC Koln after their Bundesliga survival, Bild reports. The Billy Goats finished 14th, six points clear of the drop, and are prioritising central defence.

Bornauw joined Leeds from VfL Wolfsburg for €6 million, £5.2m, last summer and has largely been a squad option. He made 12 Premier League appearances, five starts, the latest in a 1-0 win over Brighton this month.

Koln are said to have decided against triggering a permanent option in Cenk Ozkacar’s loan from Valencia. They plan to reshape that unit, seeking defenders who are strong aerially and comfortable in possession.

At six foot three, the Belgian fits that brief, and has looked best for Leeds when defending crosses with the game in front of him. He has posed a set-piece threat without scoring.

Koln conceded 21 set-piece goals in 2025/26, the most in the league, and scored only eight at the other end, fewer than only Hamburger SV and Werder Bremen. Bornauw is seen as a possible fix in both boxes but any move would depend on club and player.

The 27-year-old has three years left on his deal and has shown no obvious desire to leave. Leeds could still refresh their back line, with Pascal Struijk likeliest to go as he enters the final 12 months.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk