Sebastiaan Bornauw's Leeds United exit confirmed as details of departure explained — Leeds Live 19/8/26

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Bornauw has joined Bundesliga side Hamburg SV

James Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire sport at Reach plc

Leeds United have confirmed the long-expected departure of Sebastiaan Bornauw, with the defender having signed a deal at German Bundesliga side Hamburg SV.

The 27-year-old will join Hamburg on a year's loan deal, with the possibility he could return to Leeds next season. The defender, who only arrived at Elland Road last summer for a fee in the region of £5million, started just five Premier League games last season as he struggled to make his mark on the team, with a further 12 run outs as a substitute.

The majority of those appearances came out of necessity due to injuries to defensive teammates, and there had been an expectation since the start of summer that the player would be allowed to leave.

LeedsLive understands Hamburg have an option to buy, but there is no obligation to buy as part of the loan deal, meaning he is, at present at least, due to return to the club at the end of the current season.

While that may be the case, Bornauw appears to have accepted his time at the club has ended, saying as much in a statement on Tuesday evening. He wrote: "Dear Leeds family, It’s been a short chapter, but one I’ll never forget. The MOT family is something else — this club is truly special.

"Thanks for making me feel at home from day one. I loved every minute wearing this badge, especially those nights at Elland Road. All the best, Leeds."

Leeds issued a statement Wednesday morning to confirm Bornauw's departure. They wrote; "Leeds United can confirm Sebastiaan Bornauw has joined German Bundesliga side Hamburg SV on loan for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.

"The 27-year-old defender signed for the Whites in the summer of 2025 upon our return to the Premier League, arriving from VfL Wolfsburg. Bornauw made his Premier League debut for the club in December 2025 as a late substitute in the 31 win over Chelsea at Elland Road, and from there was a regular in matchday squads under Daniel Farke, making 17 appearances across all competitions.

"He now joins a Hamburg side which finished 13th in the German top-flight last season under Merlin Polzin, and their league campaign this year will begin with a trip away from home to Borussia Dortmund.

"Everyone at Leeds United would like to wish Seb the best of luck during his time away from the club."

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