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Despite the many concerns ahead of the start of this season, Leeds United Now looks to be in an excellent position to stay safe Premier League Survive this season.
Daniel Wake Funding worth £90m was secured to improve the first team’s standings, with much of it spent on improving the quality of the head coach.
From huge fees to free transfers, the summer transfer window has been filled with impressive additions, keeping the Whites firmly above the relegation zone.
With only 12 games left in the 2025/26 league season, and with the club six points ahead of the relegation zone, their future in the league is undoubtedly firmly in their own hands.
However, if Falke’s side are to have a better chance of survival between now and the end of the season, the German will have to make a big decision by leaving a player out of the starting XI.
The stats behind Sebastian Bornau’s struggles at Leeds United
Leeds United have reportedly spent £5 million to sign centre-back Sebastian Bornau from German side Wolfsburg as part of their summer recruitment drive.
The move is simply about finding an experienced backup option given the arrival of Jaka Bijol, along with the likes of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
However, the 26-year-old started against Chelsea last night, but it was certainly a night to forget for the Belgian, making his first league start since the end of January.
The Belgian struggled to deny the hosts a two-goal lead but ultimately failed to make any tackles and committed two fouls, which resulted in him receiving a yellow card.
He was successful in just 33% of the aerial duels he took part in, leading the manager to substitute him after just 55 minutes of play.
He has made just four starts for the Whites this season, but on last night’s evidence, Bornau shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting XI – especially if the club wants to ensure survival.
Leeds United players should not start over with Bornau
After winning the English Championship last season, Leeds United’s squad was obviously strong, and the management decided to replenish the squad in the summer rather than carry out a comprehensive overhaul.
Such a plan would undoubtedly help their Premier League ambitions, as evidenced by their current league position with just 12 games remaining.
The likes of Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu and Brenden Aaronson have all retained their starting spots in Yorkshire, allowing for a period of continuity.
The trio were instrumental in helping the club return to the top flight last time out and are hoping to secure such a position by the end of May.
However, the same cannot be said for the forwards Joel PiroDespite playing a key role last season, he failed to reach the heights he had achieved in England’s second tier.
The Dutchman scored 19 league goals in 46 appearances in the Championship before featuring in every game and ending the year as the division’s top scorer.
The 2025/26 season will be a huge struggle for the 26-year-old, as shown by his record of just 11 appearances – only two of which were starts.
He has only played a total of 208 minutes in the league this season and has not scored in any other competition, even missing a penalty against Derby County in the FA Cup.
Piroe, labeled "anonymousJournalist James Marshment reports that he simply has been unable to impress in the Premier League, with his underlying statistics showing his struggles.
He has only managed two shots on goal so far this season while completing 33% of his dribbling attempts, which highlights his lack of ability in the attacking zone.
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Joel Piroe – Premier League Statistics (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90 people) |
consistent |
|
Games played |
11 |
|
The game starts |
2 |
|
Minutes played |
208 |
|
Number of goals scored |
0 |
|
aerials win |
20% |
|
duel won |
18% |
|
Dribbling completed |
33% |
|
Shot on target |
2 |
He also managed to win 20% of duels in the air, and 18% of duels on the ground – figures that suggest his physical attributes are not suited to the Premier League.
Pirro only played seven minutes in the league in 2026, with the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lucas Nmecha undoubtedly pushing him further down the pecking order. The fact that the latter is preferred and did score against Chelsea on Tuesday night only confirms that the former Swansea man is not really close to Farke’s plans.
It was certainly a sad sight considering how important he was to the club last season, but ultimately, he was no longer at the level required to succeed and impress at Elland Road.
Therefore, he should not start for the club again in order to survive, and a summer move for him and Bornau certainly becomes a distinct possibility.
