Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Wolfsburg defender Sebastiaan Bornauw but to English football fans, the Belgian defender is a relative unknown.
Graham Smyth reports on the Yorkshire Evening Post’s website that Leeds are about to strike a deal to land 26-year-old ace Bornauw, who had entered the final year of his contract at Wolfsburg this summer.
It sees Leeds spending their money wisely once again, bringing in a player below his full value. Below, are five facts about the incoming defender, including his history and a strange underwear superstition.
Five facts about incoming Leeds signing Sebastiaan Bornauw
Sebastiaan Bornauw’s CV, career history and Wolfsburg stats
The 6ft 3in centre-back came through at boyhood club Anderlecht and played 25 senior matches before a move to Germany with Koln. He spent two seasons there, clocking up seven goals in 57 games in defence.
Clearly, a threat in both boxes, Bornauw earned a move to Wolfsburg in the summer of 2021. He’s played 96 more times in the last four years, but has had a few injuries along the way, much like striker Nmecha.
Bargain fee for Sebastiaan Bornauw as Adam Underwood tactic clear
Smyth’s report states that Leeds are signing Bornauw for a bargain £5m fee, at least initially. It once again seems cheap, given he is a Belgium international, though his recent injuries may be a reason for that.
As stated, Leeds have been able to strike a cheap-ish deal for Bornauw because of his contract. Leeds identified the same with Bijol, paying £15m for a player who is worth far more. Bornauw is the same.
Lukas Nmecha and Joshua Guilavogui are recent teammates
As is the way, Leeds’ incoming signing will have at least one recognisable face at Elland Road in fellow signing Nmecha. The striker joined Leeds from Wolfsburg, and the two have played 33 times together.
His time at Wolfsburg also saw him share the pitch with Guilavogui on 30 occasions, though the latter is leaving Leeds this summer. Daniel Farke is likely to have been an admirer from distance in Germany.
Sebastiaan Bornauw’s Belgium career from U15 to senior squad
Interestingly, Bornauw has played for Belgium’s youth teams from U15, all the way through before his four senior caps. The defender has played 44 times for Belgium’s young sides before his senior caps.
A total of 16 of those came with Belgium’s U17 side while he was still with Anderlecht. He played a further eight occasions at U21 level while with Koln and his senior caps came after his Wolfsburg move.
Sebastiaan Bornauw has a strange underwear superstition
Speaking to the Bundesliga while at Koln, Bornauw was asked if he has superstitions. He replied: “Yes, one. I always wear the same underwear. But I wash it! I have one colour and I always wear the same colour.”
Ahead of his move to Leeds, fans will be hoping he packs that specific colour in his suitcase when flying to Yorkshire. A medical is scheduled for Monday, with Bornauw now expected to sign a deal until 2029.
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