It was always expected that Leeds United would sign another centre-back this summer.

Particularly in the aftermath of Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton. Brought in for £34million, Tarik Muharemovic was the Dutchman’s replacement.

But the 49ers did not appear to want to stop there.

Reports emerged suggesting that United were interested in signing John Stones. The England international is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City earlier this summer.

However, with the latest reports suggesting Leeds look set to miss out on the Stones deal, one current member of Daniel Farke’s squad will surely be breathing a sigh of relief.

Sebastiaan Bornauw to be relieved as Leeds look set to miss out on John Stones

According to Fabrizio Romano, Stones has agreed terms with Inter Milan on a two-year deal. His medical is scheduled for Thursday.

So with this news, you would imagine that Sebastiaan Bornauw’s place in the Leeds squad is safe.

The Belgian was used solely as cover last season, so if Stones arrived as well, Bornauw would have only slid further down the pecking order. Perhaps even forcing the 27-year-old out of the club entirely.

Stones would’ve certainly improved our squad. But from a selfish standpoint, Bornauw will surely be breathing a sigh of relief that the deal for Stones didn’t end up going through.

With Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol both enjoying impressive campaigns last year, Bornauw already has a tough task on his hands if he wants to break into the United team next season, and if Stones arrived too, he could forget about it.

Whilst he didn’t play often at all last season, when Bornauw was brought into the team, he was extremely solid.

Not everyone in the squad can be a starter, and Bornauw appears to know his role.

So whilst he can provide cover for the right-footed centre-backs, behind Muharemovic on the left, we don’t have any depth.

As we signed Muharemovic for £34million, you would assume he will surely play week in and week out.

In an ideal world, we need a left-footed defender to come in, like Bornauw, and know his role will largely be as a backup.

We secured Bornauw for just £5.14million last summer. So, if the 49ers can repeat this trick again with a left-footer, I will be happy with our centre-back options going into the new season.

0%
Love

0%
Funny

0%
Wow

0%
Sad

0%
Angry