1. FC Köln have signed Sebastiaan Bornauw from RSC Anderlecht. The Belgian under-21 international has signed a deal through to 2024.

1. FC Köln have, as planned, strengthened at centre-back with the signing of Sebastiaan Bornauw. The Belgian under-21 international has joined from RSC Anderlecht and has signed a five-year-deal.

“Sebastian fits perfectly to what we were looking for. He is a quick player, who is aggressive on the pitch and is very strong in the air. He isn’t just someone who will strengthen our current squad, but also an investment for the future of our team,” said FC managing director, Armin Veh.

“It’s an incredibly strong and popular league, which I naturally followed in Belgium. FC are a club with tradition and fantastic fans, who create an incredible atmosphere in the stadium. I like that a lot and I’m really excited about it,” said Sebastiaan Bornauw.

Sebastiaan Bornauw was born on 22nd March 1999 in Wemmel, Belgium. His first steps in football were made with the Moroccan first division side, Wydad Casablanca where his father was working at that moment in time. After the return to his home country, the 1.91m tall defender has played for every youth side at the record champions of Belgium, aside from a short stop between times with FCV Dender E.H.

He made his first-team debut at Anderlecht in June 2018. In the previous season, the 20-year-old made 29 appearances in the Juplier Pro League and the UEFA Europa League. He is currently an under-21 international and was part of the squad in Italy for the under-21 European Championships this summer.

Sebastiaan Bornauw will begin training on Thursday and will wear the number 33 at FC.