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EXCLUSIVE; Source claim Leeds can now seal £17m agreement to seal Transfer No.1. Is this deal worth pushing for?
Leeds United Step Up Pursuit of Udinese Defender Jaka Bijol
Leeds United appear to be accelerating their efforts to sign Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol, as manager Daniel Farke looks to reinforce his squad ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.
With survival the clear objective for the 2025/26 season, the Whites are aiming to make smart, strategic moves in the transfer market—particularly at the back.
Leeds in Talks Over £17m Deal for Bijol
Bijol has emerged as a top defensive target for Leeds in the early stages of the summer window. While initial expectations suggested a £19 million fee might be required, the club could secure the 26-year-old for slightly less.
According to Joe Donnohue of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are in active negotiations with Udinese and could finalise a deal for around £17 million.
Donnohue shared the update on X, writing:
“Sources close to the deal in Italy believe €20 million (£17m) will get an agreement over the line for #LUFC target Jaka Bijol. Leeds and Udinese remain in negotiations for the Slovenian international defender.”
Should a deal be completed, Bijol would become Leeds United’s first signing of the summer.
Farke’s Plan to Maximise Bijol’s Impact
Daniel Farke is expected to build his defensive setup around Bijol’s strengths. A commanding centre-back, the Slovenian is known for his aerial dominance and ball-carrying abilities—qualities that fit well within Farke’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which prioritises possession and high pressing.
Alongside Joe Rodon, Bijol could help establish a solid central defensive partnership at Elland Road. His leadership, physicality, and international experience (63 caps for Slovenia) would be invaluable in the top flight.
However, Farke will also need to manage Bijol’s known limitations—namely a lack of pace and occasional discipline concerns. Deploying him as a right-sided centre-back in a back four would align with his natural right-footedness and allow midfield cover from Ethan Ampadu to support when Bijol pushes forward.
Set-piece training could further unlock his heading ability—especially important following the loss of Pascal Struijk. Additionally, Bijol’s versatility offers tactical flexibility, making him a strong asset in the high-intensity demands of the Premier League.
All signs point to Leeds viewing Bijol not only as a key summer addition but as a cornerstone in their bid to remain in the top tier beyond next season.
