Statement as Leeds United confirm quickfire second exit after emotional goodbye penned
Leeds United have confirmed a pair of loan departures this morning.
Leeds United have confirmed a second departure of the day with Sebastiaan Bornauw joining Hamburg on loan.
The 27-year-old centre-back returns to the Bundesliga just one year after joining Leeds from VfL Wolfsburg in a £5million deal last summer. The YEP understands Hamburg hold an option to make the move permanent.
Bornauw made 17 appearances across all competitions last season, nine of which were starts. The Belgian follows Joël Piroe out the door with the striker joining West Ham on loan earlier on Wednesday morning.
A club statement said: “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 3-1 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.”
Bornauw had been expected to join Hamburg for several days, with his replacement at Leeds already lined up. The YEP understands a permanent deal for Swiss international Nico Elvedi is close to completion.
In a post on Instagram on Tuesday evening, Bornauw said his goodbye to West Yorkshire. 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.”