Key Points
- Leeds United signed Sebastiaan Bornauw from Wolfsburg for £5 million last summer to bolster the defence, but the Belgian defender has struggled significantly in the Premier League.
- Bornauw has made only limited appearances, including in the EFL Cup and a few league games, with reports indicating he is fourth-choice behind Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Jaka Bijol.
- Facundo Buonanotte, on loan from Brighton via an early termination of his Chelsea spell in January 2026, has featured minimally with just three appearances, no goals, and criticism for not fitting Daniel Farke’s system.
- Pundit Jonny White, as reported in Teamtalk, stated that Buonanotte “isn’t a Daniel Farke player as of yet” and is a “luxury we cannot afford,” suggesting no permanent future at Elland Road.
- Leeds United, back in the Premier League after promotion, face squad quality concerns with multiple players deemed below top-flight level, amid a battle to avoid relegation; they sit eight points clear of the drop zone in 16th place as of mid-March 2026.
- Daniel Farke has prioritised other centre-backs, leaving Bornauw out of matchday squads for several fixtures, with the manager expressing sympathy but citing squad balance needs.
- Buonanotte showed frustration on the touchline during a recent match against Norwich, overlooked for substitutes despite warming up, per BBC Radio Leeds observations.
- Broader squad audit highlights players like Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon as Premier League-ready, while others from the Championship promotion campaign may struggle.
- Belgian outlet RTBF reported Bornauw is “already in trouble” at Leeds, describing his Premier League dream as turning into a “nightmare” due to lack of playing time.
- Leeds’ tactical setup under Farke relies on a solid defensive structure, making “luxury” or underperforming players like Buonanotte and Bornauw expendable.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) March 14, 2026 – Leeds United’s defensive reinforcements Sebastiaan Bornauw and loanee Facundo Buonanotte have come under intense scrutiny amid the club’s precarious Premier League position, with pundits and media outlets declaring both unfit for Daniel Farke’s starting XI. The £5 million signing of Bornauw last summer and Buonanotte’s January arrival were meant to strengthen a squad returning to the top flight, but poor form and tactical mismatches have led to calls for them to be permanently sidelined. As Leeds fight relegation, questions swirl over squad depth and Farke’s selections.
Who Is Sebastiaan Bornauw and Why the £5m Label?
Sebastiaan Bornauw joined Leeds United from Wolfsburg in a £5 million deal last summer, arriving with experience from the Bundesliga where he made 70 appearances and scored four goals. The 26-year-old Belgian was expected to provide depth and competition at centre-back in Leeds’ promotion push back to the Premier League.
However, Bornauw’s integration has faltered.
As detailed by Leeds All Over reporter in their October 2025 analysis, Farke has omitted him from matchday squads for four of nine early league fixtures, positioning him as fourth choice behind Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and newcomer Jaka Bijol. Belgian media outlet RTBF, as cited in the same report, described Bornauw as “already in trouble” at Elland Road, with his “dream move to the Premier League” turning into a “nightmare.”
In limited outings, Bornauw featured in the EFL Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday on August 26, 2025, and select Premier League matches like the 3-1 win over Chelsea on December 3 and the 3-3 draw with Liverpool on December 6, but registered zero goals and faced injury setbacks, including a minor groin issue in January 2026. Football Fancast argued in a March 9, 2026, piece that alongside Buonanotte, Bornauw “must never start under Farke again,” labelling him a “flop” due to fewer touches than peripherals like Dan James.
What Has Happened to Facundo Buonanotte at Leeds?
Facundo Buonanotte’s move to Leeds was a January 2026 loan from Brighton, following an early end to his Chelsea stint where he made eight appearances. Transfermarkt confirmed the deal on January 15, 2026, noting Daniel Farke had targeted the 21-year-old Argentine all season for his versatility across attacking roles.
Yet, Buonanotte has struggled to earn minutes. Teamtalk journalist on March 8, 2026, reported he has only three appearances, one start in the FA Cup against Birmingham, and was frequently benched. Pundit Jonny White, quoted in the article, said:
“From what I’ve seen of him, I just don’t think he’s a Daniel Farke player as of yet. I think he’s a luxury we cannot afford in our formation and the way we play.”
During the March 2026 home win over Norwich, Buonanotte warmed up but was snubbed for Sam Byram, drawing a “wry look” per BBC Radio Leeds, signalling no permanent path. Stats from Sporting Life show zero goals, 46 touches, and minimal impact in 23 minutes per 90 across his outings. BeIN Sports noted on January 14, 2026, he aims to challenge Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor but has yet to break through.
Why Does Daniel Farke Refuse to Start Them?
Daniel Farke’s tactics emphasise a robust 4-2-3-1 or back-three flexibility, prioritising defensive solidity and high pressing, as analysed by Total Football Analysis in February 2026. For Bornauw, Leeds All Over quoted Farke:
“For that, we can’t afford in each and every game to have two centre-backs on the bench because we need more options [elsewhere]. This has hurt me so much, I see the quality and the character of Sebastiaan. It’s just been unlucky for him.”
On Buonanotte, the same Teamtalk piece highlighted Farke’s preference for proven squad players, with White adding the snub against Norwich sent a “loud and clear message” of no future. RotoWire reported Farke’s press conference on Bornauw’s injury:
“I think it’s something with his hip flexor or adductor, so we have to assess it. I don’t think it’s a major thing that he’s out for weeks.”
This reflects a squad management focus amid Leeds’ 16th-place standing.
Which Leeds Players Aren’t Premier League Ready?
Leeds’ squad faces broader doubts. A Reddit discussion on r/LeedsUnited in February 2025, echoed in 2026 contexts, saw users like AgreeableNotice7810 argue:
“The current squad? Absolutely not. We only have a few players who might be able to compete in the Premier League.”
The Athletic’s May 2025 audit post-promotion praised Ethan Ampadu (“one of the few players the club believes can successfully transition”) and Joe Rodon, but questioned others like Joel Piroe despite his Championship form.
Users like redditbando added: “Absolutely not, and it’s a significant difference… our overall squad just doesn’t measure up.” Football Fancast extended the critique beyond Buonanotte and Bornauw to “numerous players who simply aren’t at the level required.” [ from initial] William Hill’s March 2025 odds gave 93% promotion chances pre-season, but mid-season realities differ.
Could Injuries and Tactics Change Farke’s Mind?
Bornauw’s groin injury in January sidelined him briefly, but deeper issues persist. Buonanotte’s stats show defensive contributions (1.3 tackles per 90) but no attacking threat. Farke’s YouTube-analysed shifts to two-striker partnerships prioritise effectiveness over luxury.
Leeds All Over suggested Farke “can’t do anything to change” Bornauw’s situation due to hierarchy. Yet, with Leeds unbeaten in four home top-flight games as of March 2026, per BeIN Sports, rotation could emerge if results demand.
What Are the Implications for Leeds’ Survival?
Leeds trail eight points from relegation but lost 3-4 to Newcastle recently. OneFootball in August 2025 previewed their bid to buck newly-promoted trends. Dropping flops like Bornauw and Buonanotte aligns with pundit calls, but squad rebuild looms if survival falters.
Transfermarkt’s squad list underscores depth issues. Neutral observers like The Athletic stress transition challenges for Championship heroes. Farke remains committed, but performances will dictate.
