Leeds United spent close to £100million on the team before the season began. But most fans were not pleased with the transfer business, and what transpired at the end of the window.
The Whites focused on stocking up on defenders and midfielders in the early stages of the window. A chunk was spent on the likes of Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Daniel Farke also got his top targets in midfied – Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff.
So far, the recruitment seems to have paid off in a big way. Lucas Perri has been a solid option in goal, and Gabriel Gudmundsson is making fans forget about Junior Firpo. Anton Stach has proven to be one of the better signings at Elland Road this summer.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
Daniel Farke explains absence of Leeds United star
Sebastiaan Bornauw
Credit: Imago Images
Leeds fans have not seen summer signing Sebastiaan Bornauw in a long time, the last appearance for the defender was in the EFL cup loss to Sheffield Wednesday. In Thursday’s press conference, Daniel Farke finally addressed why the defender has not been seen with the squad in weeks:
”One of my toughest decisions has really hurt me to not involve Sebastiaan.
”Four specialist centre-backs, if you’re really honest you have to make changes at winger earlier, striker or central midfield, or full-back.
”At centre-back if there are no injuries or major incidents, you are not tempted to change much.
”We can’t afford to have two centre-backs on the bench because we need more options elsewhere.”
He then added that the Belgian had done nothing wrong, and that on current form he just does not make it into the team.
”Unlucky for Sebastiaan individually. Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have delivered top performances.
”Sebastiaan has done nothing wrong, just at a disadvantage with his pre-season injury.”
What changed with Sebastiaan Bornauw?
When the Belgian came in he was expected to be a backup defender, replacing Max Wober. But his injury in pre-season cut short his ability to blend into the team. And in his only outing against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup, he did not seem to impress enough to warrant a starting spot.
Being on the bench is normal, but completely being left out of the matchday squad is a pretty baffling call.
At least Farke has realised Bornauw’s not up to it, not convinced on Bijol or Justin either. Squad fillers at best.