Leeds United Secure The Signing Of This Serie A Centre-back: What He Would BringTo Elland Road
Leeds United Closing in on Jaka Bijol Signing After Medical
According to a recent report from The Athletic, Leeds U
nited are nearing the signing of Jaka Bijol following the completion of his medical in West Yorkshire on Wednesday.
While a final agreement on the transfer fee with Udinese is still being negotiated, both clubs are believed to be close to settling on a figure. Udinese allowed their star defender to travel to England as talks progressed.
Leeds initially valued the Slovenian international at around £14.5 million, but Udinese’s £21 million asking price created an impasse.
However, a compromise in the region of £18.75 million appears likely, paving the way for Bijol to become Leeds’ second signing of the summer following Lukas Nmecha’s free transfer.
The 6ft 4in centre-back began his professional journey in Slovenia with youth stints at Dravograd and Bravo before breaking into the first team at Rudar Velenje in the top division.
His performances earned him a €400,000 move to CSKA Moscow, where he initially featured in midfield roles — often as a box-to-box midfielder and occasionally even as a striker.
During a loan spell at Hannover 96 in Germany’s second tier, he was used mainly as a defensive midfielder.
Upon returning to CSKA, Bijol was converted into a central defender — a role in which he excelled, prompting a €4 million transfer to Serie A side Udinese in 2022.
He has been a mainstay in their backline, barring injury absences, and now looks set to test himself in English football.
Strengthening the Defence Under Daniel Farke
Leeds boss Daniel Farke, who twice guided Norwich City to promotion from the Championship, is eager to avoid past struggles in the Premier League.
With promotion ambitions high, Farke is focused on bringing in quality over quantity — particularly in defence, where reinforcements are needed.
Joe Rodon and club captain Ethan Ampadu formed a solid partnership last season, with Ampadu also filling in as a midfielder when required.
Pascal Struijk provided reliable cover during Ampadu’s injury spell, showcasing his composure in central defence.
However, the departure of Josuha Guilavogui and the limited involvement of Maximilian Wöber have left gaps to fill.
While Rodon, Ampadu, and Struijk all have Premier League experience, their performances at the top level suggest that Leeds need a defender with a proven track record in a highly competitive environment.
Serie A has long been a breeding ground for elite defenders, and Bijol’s physical presence and aerial dominance should equip him well for the intensity and physicality of the English game.
A Key Addition for Leeds?
With 63 caps for Slovenia and top-flight experience in Russia, Germany, and Italy, Bijol brings a wealth of international and club experience.
His arrival could significantly bolster Leeds United’s defensive resilience as they prepare for a crucial season ahead.
