Godwin ObajeSebastiaan Bornauw Delivers Honest First Impressions of Leeds United Teammates Amid Intense Pre-Season Regime
Sebastiaan Bornauw has opened up on his early experiences with the Leeds United squad as Daniel Farke intensifies preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign. The Belgium international, who arrived from Wolfsburg in a £5 million deal earlier this summer, has praised the unity and work ethic within the team during what he describes as a “tough time.”
Leeds are currently stepping up their fitness work as they gear up for a high-profile pre-season clash against Manchester United this Saturday, set to be played at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. With just weeks to go before the new season begins, Farke is keen to ensure his side are in peak condition — even putting the players through a bleep test.
Among the standout performers in the fitness drill were Sam Byram and Joel Piroe, with the Dutch striker’s impressive showing perhaps a signal of his determination to secure his place in the starting XI.
Bornauw is one of four new signings integrated into the squad in recent weeks, alongside Slovenia international Jaka Bijol, forward Lukas Nmecha, and left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson. The group has quickly begun to gel, and Bornauw, who reunites with former Wolfsburg teammate Nmecha at Elland Road, says he’s been made to feel welcome.
Speaking to LUTV about settling into the squad, Bornauw said:
“The guys are really nice, everyone’s nice. We have a really good group, great time. Working hard. They say Germans work hard, but Germans abroad work even harder. Tough time, but I think it’s good.”
The 25-year-old also revealed that Leeds had been tracking him since January, with manager Daniel Farke already a long-time admirer. Farke previously attempted to sign the defender during his tenure at Norwich City, but finally got his man this summer. Bornauw has penned a four-year contract and is expected to provide crucial depth at centre-back, particularly with Max Wöber moving on and Joe Rodon and Bijol set to compete for starting roles.
Bijol and Gudmundsson are both in contention to start against Manchester United, as Farke looks to test his new recruits in high-intensity match situations. Leeds will also face Villarreal and AC Milan before the Premier League kicks off, as the squad builds sharpness and cohesion.
In terms of further additions, Leeds remain active in the market but progress has been slow. Talks continue with Newcastle United for Sean Longstaff, though a third bid has reportedly been turned down. The club is also monitoring moves for midfielder Anton Stach and goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić.
Olympiacos playmaker Yusuf Yazici has also been linked, now fully fit after a long injury layoff. But as it stands, no new signings appear imminent.
For Bornauw, however, the focus remains on getting up to speed with his new teammates as quickly as possible — and his early impressions are all positive.
“It’s a tough time, but I think it’s good,” he added.
“We’re working hard and that’s what’s needed to be ready for the season.”
Leeds fans will be hoping that hard work pays off, starting with Saturday’s first major test against Premier League opposition.
Godwin Obaje
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