Leeds defender Sebastien Bornauw discussed for January ‘coup’ move

Leeds United defender Sebastien Bornauw is being discussed internally at FC Köln as the Bundesliga side consider a January move they believe could be a “real coup”.

According to BILD, Köln are planning a significant winter rebuild as they attempt to arrest a slide towards the relegation zone, and Bornauw has emerged as one of the names under consideration.

Köln have endured a worrying run of form, failing to win in six matches and slipping closer to danger in the Bundesliga table. That downturn has prompted internal concern among both supporters and club officials.

As a result, the club are preparing for a busy January window to back head coach Lukas Kwasniok, with at least three new signings being discussed.

Within those talks, Sebastien Bornauw has been identified as a potential solution — particularly in central defence.

Köln’s interest is driven largely by necessity. Centre-backs Timo Hübers and Luca Kilian are both ruled out for the remainder of the season, leaving the squad dangerously short in a key area.

Bornauw, who already knows the club well, is viewed as an ideal short-term fix with longer-term upside. The Belgian previously played for Köln between 2019 and 2021, joining for €8.25m and making 57 appearances before moving on.

That familiarity has led Köln to believe a reunion could be achievable.

Bornauw joined Leeds United in the summer for around €6m but has struggled to establish himself at Elland Road. The defender has made just three appearances across all competitions this season, prompting belief in Germany that Leeds may be open to a temporary exit.

A loan deal is considered the most realistic option initially, allowing Köln to address their defensive shortage without committing to a full transfer fee in January.

Whether Leeds would sanction such a move remains unclear, particularly given the physical demands of the second half of the season.

BILD report that Bornauw’s name is actively being discussed internally at Köln, rather than being speculative agent-driven interest. That suggests the Bundesliga side are genuinely weighing up a return for the defender as part of their survival strategy.

While no formal approach has yet been made, the situation is one to watch as the January window approaches.

Köln are expected to finalise their January priorities in the coming weeks, with central defence high on the agenda. If Leeds remain reluctant to offer Bornauw regular minutes, a loan proposal could quickly materialise.

From Leeds’ perspective, the decision will hinge on squad depth and whether Daniel Farke sees Bornauw as a useful option for the run-in — or a player who could benefit from regular football elsewhere.

Would letting Bornauw leave in January be smart squad management — or a risky gamble for Leeds?