Jaka Bijol surprise emerges already after Leeds United developments vs Wolves
Jaka Bijol signed for Leeds from Udinese in the summer transfer window.
Leeds have had an indifferent start to the season, with four points from as many games and just one goal scored.
Leeds’ lack of firepower has been the main concern so far in the Premier League, and that was only amplified by their inability to add to it in the latter stages of the summer window.
However, with Leeds set to face Wolves, Daniel Farke has named his starting 11, and it paints a very bizarre picture of the addition of Bijol.
MOT Leeds News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
Daniel Farke snubs Jaka Bijol once again
For the fourth time in the Premier League this season, Farke has named Bijol on the bench for Leeds’ encounter with Wolves.
The Slovenian international missed Leeds’ opening day win against Everton through suspension, but has been available since.
Pascal Struijk has fared well for Leeds, but given the fact that the Whites spent 15 per cent of their budget on Bijol, Ian Darke is surprised that he has been afforded zero Premier League minutes
| Bijol’s Udinese career | |
| Appearances | 95 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 4 |
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, he said: “He hasn’t been able to force his way past the people in possession of a starting spot, which is Joe Rodon and Struijk.
“He played the League Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday, and having seen it myself at the Euros, playing for Slovenia, I’d be a little bit surprised if he doesn’t find his way in at some point.
“But they’ve been competitive in the other games. So, maybe he doesn’t want to change that defence. I think Bijol’s time will come, I’m pretty sure.“
Leeds overspent on defensive options this summer
Over 50 per cent of Leeds’ summer budget was spent on defenders in the summer window, several of whom are yet to play for the Whites in the Premier League.
The 49ers then used PSR as a reason for their inability to strengthen the attack, which, quite frankly, holds no validity as well.
While £15million for Bijol wasn’t a bad deal, the fact that Farke is opting against naming him in his starting 11 doesn’t bode well, and certainly raises the question as to why he was a priority target.
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