Leeds United have made a relatively swift start to the summer transfer window as they look to secure an immediate return to the Premier League next season.
The club, known as the Whites, made their first acquisition last month, confirming a free transfer agreement with forward Lukas Nmecha, who has now officially joined from Wolfsburg after his contract expired with the Bundesliga side.
Manager Daniel Farke has also bolstered the defensive lineup by signing Slovenian international Jaka Bijol on a permanent transfer from Serie A club Udinese.
The 26-year-old commanding defender featured in 34 Serie A matches last season and arrives at Elland Road bringing experience from competing in a major European league.
However, it appears Bijol may not be the only central defender arriving at the West Yorkshire club this summer, as reports suggest Leeds are also set to sign Sebastiaan Bornauw.
Leeds are reportedly nearing a deal to bring the Belgian central defender from Wolfsburg to Elland Road for a fee reported to be around £5.13m, further strengthening their options at the back.
Potential Contribution of Sebastiaan Bornauw at Leeds
The 26-year-old strong defender could provide Farke with a valuable and experienced backup option in the heart of the defence, behind players such as Bijol, Joe Rodon, and Pascal Struijk.
Bornauw has played 140 matches in the Bundesliga throughout his career, demonstrating significant experience in a major European league. He has also made 96 appearances for Wolfsburg in all competitions, including three games in the Champions League.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, the imposing defender could offer Leeds a strong aerial presence in both penalty areas. He won 62% of his aerial duels in the Bundesliga last season and has scored 11 goals during his career in the German top flight.
This indicates that Bornauw can assist Leeds in defending set-pieces while also posing a goal threat from them, which could be one of the reasons behind their decision to acquire him.
| Season | Injuries | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| 24/25 | 4 | 18 |
| 23/24 | 1 | 2 |
| 21/22 | 1 | 2 |
| 20/21 | 1 | 13 |
| 19/20 | 1 | 2 |
| 18/19 | 3 | 19 |
| 16/17 | 1 | 12 |
| Stats via Transfermarkt | ||
However, as shown in the table above, the Belgian player has also encountered injury issues throughout his career in Germany, missing 18 matches last season.
This suggests that Farke may not be able to rely on his consistent availability week after week in the Premier League, providing further reason to believe the centre-back could be signed to enhance squad depth rather than as an automatic starter.
Leeds are now reportedly considering another signing from the Bundesliga, in addition to Bornauw, who could prove to be an even more exciting acquisition than the Belgian.
Leeds United Eyeing Move for Mainz Player
According to the Print Edition of BILD (30/06/25), as relayed by LeedsUnitedNews, Leeds United are reportedly interested in a transfer deal to sign Mainz defender Anthony Caci during the summer transfer window.
The report claims that both the Whites and fellow Premier League side Fulham are keen to sign the versatile 28-year-old player in the coming weeks.
It states that Leeds are currently ahead of Fulham in the race to sign the French player, primarily because they can offer him the possibility of regular first-team football.
The source further reports that the Championship winners are preparing to submit an offer to sign the Mainz player in the coming days. His current club reportedly values him at approximately £8.5m.
It remains to be seen, however, whether Leeds` initial bid for Caci will match that £8.5m valuation or if they will need to enter into further negotiations.
Why Anthony Caci Would Be an Exciting Signing for Leeds
Securing the versatile Bundesliga talent Anthony Caci this summer could represent a more thrilling acquisition for Leeds compared to Bornauw, further strengthening their squad.
