‘Joe Rodon set for Leeds United fight’ after Jaka Bijol transfer – Exclusive
Jaka Bijol became Leeds United’s second signing of the summer transfer window.
Despite having already made a respectable start to their summer business, Leeds United still have a remarkable amount of work left to do before the Premier League campaign gets underway.
With it looking as though they are set to miss out on the signing of Habib Diarra to Sunderland, the need to push ahead with other targets has become evident.
However, with the addition of Bijol, the Whites have strengthened their defensive options, with a battle for a first-team spot now set to ensue.
Bijol could dethrone Joe Rodon from starting Leeds spot
Given the money paid and the reputation he made for himself in Italy, Bijol will not have joined Leeds United to sit on the bench.
As a right-footed centre back, he could be competing with Joe Rodon for a place in Daniel Farke’s starting 11, with Paul Robinson highlighting how depth will be needed.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, he said: “I think it’s an area, also in the holding midfield role, that they had a lot of injuries last year, and gone are the days when you have a starting 11.
| Bijol’s Udinese career | |
| Appearances | 95 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 4 |
“You say, right that player’s going to be losing his place because there’s a new one coming in it’s it’s all about availability, fitness levels and where players are, and as a player unless you’re a goalkeeper there’s nobody that’s going to be signed to replace you as such unless you’re leaving the club.
“So Bijol is just another one to bring into the stable and an option to give the manager, and it’s up to everyone to fight for their own place. Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, etc.
“I can’t see anyone at the moment, specifically with their place under threat, because the team’s rotated so often.”
Farke must utilise squad depth in Premier League
It’s hard to criticise Farke after leading Leeds to the Championship title, but if there was one criticism to be had, it was his lack of rotation.
He can’t afford to make the same decision in the Premier League; otherwise, the Whites will be punished by those who do rotate.
It is more likely that Pascal Struijk will drop out, given his fitness concerns recently, with Rodon and Bijol ready to form a new partnership at the back.
Surviving will be the objective, and with the right decision-making and recruitment, Leeds have every chance of achieving it.
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