Better than Bijol: Leeds targeting “best CB outside the top five leagues
Leeds United Face Crucial Summer as Premier League Return Looms
Leeds United are gearing up for a pivotal summer as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. After winning the Championship title in the 2024/25 season, the focus now shifts to survival — and smart recruitment will be essential.
Manager Daniel Farke has done an excellent job in guiding the team back to the top flight, but the real challenge begins now.
Staying up will be no small task, especially considering that none of the last six promoted teams have managed to retain their Premier League status beyond a single season. Leeds must defy that trend in 2025/26.
To do so, they will need to significantly strengthen the squad. With the new season fast approaching and no signings made yet, the club’s hierarchy must act swiftly.
Reinforcements are needed across multiple positions, and time is of the essence.
Leeds’ Summer Recruitment Plans Take Shape
Over recent weeks, Leeds have been linked with a number of players as Farke looks to bolster his squad. Targets include Fabio Silva, Douglas Luiz, and Japhet Tanganga, but no deals have yet materialized.
Another name has recently emerged: Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers.
According to 67 Hail Hail, Leeds are competing with Sunderland for the 27-year-old, with Celtic reportedly valuing him at around £25 million.
The American international is believed to be open to a Premier League return, and there’s a growing expectation he’ll leave Celtic Park before the transfer window closes.
Why Carter-Vickers Would Be a Smarter Signing Than Bijol
Leeds have also shown strong interest in Udinese defender Jaka Bijol, submitting an initial £15 million bid that was rejected.
Negotiations are ongoing, but Udinese may be reluctant to sell, given the Slovenian’s consistent presence in their starting lineup last season.
While both defenders would improve Leeds’ backline, Carter-Vickers stands out as the superior option. Statistically, he has outperformed Bijol in key defensive metrics over the past season.
He’s completed more passes, made more progressive passes per 90 minutes, and shown greater strength in duels, tackles, and interceptions.
Labelled “the best centre-back outside the top five leagues” by Euro Expert, Carter-Vickers also brings aerial dominance and a potential threat on set pieces.
Although his price tag is steep, his all-around game suggests he’d be a better investment than Bijol.
Ultimately, both players would bolster Leeds’ defence, but if the club are serious about staying in the Premier League, they should prioritize securing Carter-Vickers.
It’s now up to Farke and the club’s leadership to push for the right additions before the new campaign kicks off.
