There could be a few departures at Leeds this winter.
Joel Piroe is hot property – particularly for Championship clubs given his record of 73 goals in 179 appearances in the division – and could be sold after making just two starts in the Premier League this season.
Illan Meslier may also depart amid links to Celtic – although Daniel Farke does want to keep the Frenchman around, as the German revealed in his press conference on Tuesday.
Should Leeds force Meslier out in order to obtain a fee in January? 💰
Daniel Farke wants to keep the Frenchman around, but the 49ers may disagree… 🤔
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It remains to be seen what happens with those two, although Sebastiaan Bornauw may already be on the move despite only arriving at Elland Road in July as FC Koln now discuss an approach.
FC Koln discussing move to bring Sebastiaan Bornauw back to Germany
BILD now state that FC Koln are holding internal talks over a potential approach for the Belgium international, after centre-back pairing Timo Hubers and Luca Kilian were ruled out for the rest of the season.
Bornauw used to play for FC Koln and made 57 appearances for the German club, before moving to Wolfsburg in July 2021 and then Leeds in a £5.1m switch in July 2025.
BILD write that FC Koln view the Leeds No.23 as a dream signing this winter, but concede that a loan deal is the most likely way to get him due to the fact he is the only centre-back depth Farke has, following the switch to a 3-5-2 formation.
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Bornauw has only made two Premier League appearances so far this season, totalling just two minutes.
The 26-year-old remains under contract at Elland Road until July 2029.
Leeds United do seem to be lining up more defensive additions
Currently, we would be shocked if Bornauw left this winter, although Leeds do appear to be making contingency plans in case the Belgian grows frustrated enough to request a move.
Leeds are monitoring Tylel Tati of Nantes and have also been credited with an interest in Chibuike Nwaiwu of Wolfsberger as well, both of whom play in central defence.
Which player would you be happy for Leeds to sell in January to fund their transfer business? Let us know in the comments… 🤔💰
The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke’s plans.
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With Bornauw already struggling for action, it would be bizarre to sign another defender – unless the 49ers are expecting somebody in that department to leave soon.
When asked about the situation, Farke did little to reassure Bornauw he would get a starting berth soon, saying: “It’s always a bit tricky at centre-back, you don’t change it much. Wingers, strikers, creative midfielders (you change). If you’re chasing a game, changing a centre-back doesn’t make much of an impact.”
With a role in the starting XI on offer at FC Koln, however, it will be interesting to see if the Leeds No.23 pushes for a return to his former club this winter.
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