Leeds United are set to announce their third signing of the summer transfer window in Wolfsburg star Sebastiaan Bornauw – and it is another example of Adam Underwood’s ideal signing.
Bornauw is said to be undergoing a medical at Thorp Arch on Monday ahead of what will be a £5m move to Elland Road from Wolfsburg. He reunites with Lukas Nmecha, who joins from Wolfsburg on a free.
The Wolfsburg duo are two of three signings made by Leeds and Underwood this summer, with Jaka Bijol arriving on a five-year contract at Elland Road to the tune of £15m. Bijol’s arrival is seen as a real coup.
Already, there are plenty of positives regarding Underwood’s work in the window alongside Daniel Farke and head of recruitment Robbie Evans. Especially, when there was plenty of pressure and doubt initially.
Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha – it’s clear
Underwood was promoted from within to the sporting director role. His first-ever window in the role is Leeds’ most important in years given the growing chasm between the Premier League and Championship.
But Underwood has gone about his business well, so far. Leeds fans are expectant, but it is not even July yet, and Leeds have sorted out the centre-back area, while adding some much-needed quality in attack.
Not only has Underwood done that by signing three players for £20m, but he has also done it by adding players that address what Leeds lack, and what Leeds need next season to survive the threat of relegation.
Leeds have always been poor from set-pieces, but with two 6ft 3in centre-backs and a 6ft 1in striker now at the club, they are suddenly a threat. With chances going to be at a premium, set-pieces are crucial.
Scoring from them, but also defending them. Limiting other clubs to goals in open play is all well and good, but if they can score from corners and free-kicks, what’s the point? Underwood has addressed that.
All three are 26 years old and the next potential signing is, too
Bornauw averaged a goal every 14 games in the Bundesliga, with 11 in 140 appearances. Only four were better in the air than Bijol in Serie A last season and Nmecha has been compared to Georginio Rutter.
Not only has Underwood improved this Leeds squad aerially and physically, but he is being picky – in a good way. Bringing three players in, all aged 26. All three of them boasting caps for their National Teams.
Experienced, playing in different countries, and yet to reach their prime. A good age, but with mileage on the clock. These are players that have been there and done it, but are still yet to show their best form.
Next up will be a new left-back. Gabriel Gudmundsson is the leading candidate to join the club, a Sweden international who is 26, unsurprisingly. Underwood is targeting a specific player and he’s getting it done.
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