Köln Maintains Interest in Leeds Defender Sebastiaan Bornauw Following January Setback

Reports are once again circulating that 1. FC Köln is considering another attempt to bring Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw back to Germany. The club from the cathedral city is reportedly ready to push for the Premier League transfer flop this summer, contingent on their ability to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.

Sebastiaan Bornauw's Previous Köln Transfer Bid Fell Apart

New details have emerged regarding the rumors that surfaced during the January transfer window about Bornauw's potential return to the Bundesliga. It's suggested that all involved parties had reached a preliminary agreement, but the deal ultimately collapsed at the last minute due to Leeds United's urgent need for defensive options.

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke turned to Bornauw in late January and early February, with seven of the 29-year-old's nine overall Premier League appearances occurring during that period. However, the Belgian international has since returned to the bench.

Bornauw has been an unused substitute in the last five league fixtures. Despite his limited playtime, the brief action he saw under Farke reportedly helped to increase his estimated market value from €5m to €8m in a January market update.

Is Bornauw's Departure Likely?

A permanent transfer for Bornauw appears highly improbable. A move back to Köln is particularly unlikely if the German club is relegated to the 2. Bundesliga. Furthermore, Bornauw signed a long-term contract with Leeds, valid until 2029, when he joined from Wolfsburg last summer.

Köln, much like their approach this past January, will likely seek a loan agreement. Bornauw himself is believed to still harbor a desire to return to Köln, where he is regarded as something of a hero for his crucial role in helping them avoid relegation in 2021.