Leeds United overpay as Bijol transfer details emerge – Exclusive
Leeds United could seal their second signing of the transfer window with Udinese defender Jaka Bijol.
Daniel Farke’s side have already secured Wolfsburg attacker Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer when his contract expires on 1 July.
It seems like it is only a matter of time before the Slovenian joins him at Elland Road, with the Serie A outfit expected to accept a £17million deal.
The 26-year-old is an experienced centre-back and has been touted as a replacement for Pascal Struijk by iconic commentator Ian Darke.
Leeds to pay over the odds for Bijol deal
It seems like Championship winners Leeds will eventually seal a deal for the Bijol as the window progresses.
Italian journalist Luca Bortolotti believes that the potential new Whites star would suit the English game, but is unsure about the reported price.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, he said: “He’s a solid defender, good headers on both sides, great season two years ago, up and downs in the last one.
“Being a centre-back with good offensive skills, I think he can suit it (playing in the Premier League).
“I think it’s a bit overpriced, Bologna tried to sign him last year at around £10m but Premier League spending power is definitely higher than Serie A’s.”
Leeds need to back Farke more
If they can secure Bijol after already signing an attacker, it will be a solid start to the transfer window.
However, the 49ers must continue to back Farke to improve the squad, as it will be a very tough task to survive in the top flight, given how the newly-promoted sides fare last time out.
There is still upgrades to be added, with a left-back, a goalkeeper, a midfielder and potentially a winger needed before the start of the season.
Junior Firpo seems set to depart, there are question marks over Illan Meslier and the midfielders in Farke squad and it looks like Tottenham could keep Manor Solomon, who shone on loan in LS11 last season.
Failure to add the required players would leave the Peacocks in a very vulnerable state on their return to the elite level for the first time in two seasons.
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