admin“BAD NEWS— Blow for Farke as £45,000-a-week Leeds player now wants to leave Elland Road this month
Leeds United may be on the verge of losing one of their summer recruits during the January transfer window after reports claimed the player has asked his agent to explore a move away.
£45,000-a-week Leeds man seeking Elland Road exit
Daniel Farke is enjoying a remarkable turnaround at Elland Road. The German coach has gone from being under real pressure to firmly secure in his role, having steered Leeds to a position as much as eight points clear of the relegation zone just beyond the season’s halfway stage.
Even in Wednesday night’s thrilling 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United, there were plenty of positives. This was not the type of newly promoted side that fades away and eventually slips out of the Premier League.
Instead, Leeds showed they can trouble top-flight opponents and were unlucky not to take all three points in what was one of the matches of the campaign.
However, the Whites cannot afford to stand still. January offers a prime chance to push towards safety without the stress of a late survival battle. Encouragingly, the 49ers ownership appear willing to support Farke if the right opportunities arise.
Recent reports have linked Leeds with potential reinforcements such as Danilho Doekhi and Callum Wilson, both of whom would add depth to the squad.
Doekhi, in particular, stands out as a logical target. The imposing Union Berlin centre-back would suit Leeds’ new back-three system, especially with Joe Rodon showing signs of fatigue against Newcastle and having struggled with injuries earlier in the season. Strengthening cover in that area looks essential.
That added depth could spell uncertainty for Sebastiaan Bornauw. According to Bild, via Sport Witness, the Belgian defender is now keen to leave Leeds this month and has told his agent to seek a move, with Bundesliga clubs showing interest.
Why Bornauw still matters to Leeds
While some may view Bornauw as expendable, that perception does not tell the full story. Despite spending much of the season on the fringes, the summer signing was called upon during Rodon’s injury absence—highlighting how quickly his fortunes could change.
Earning around £45,000 per week, Bornauw still has a role to play in Yorkshire, and Farke’s comments late last year suggest he is reluctant to allow first-team players to depart.
Speaking at the time, the Leeds boss said:
“I don’t believe in working with a big group because togetherness, unity and spirit are important. We can maybe improve the group, but no one close to the first-team squad is to leave.”
Unless Leeds bring in another central defender, it appears unlikely the club would sanction Bornauw’s exit less than 12 months after paying roughly £5 million for his services.
As this season has already demonstrated, one injury could open the door for the defender to re-establish himself and stake a claim in Farke’s plans.
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