Jaka Bijol’s Leeds United exit could ramp up amid developments abroad
Jake Bijol only arrived at Leeds United in the summer, yet his time at Elland Road may already be coming to an end.
Fiorentina have been linked with Bijol, who has started 11 Premier League games for Leeds since arriving from Udinese ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Leeds allowing Bijol to depart this month would be strange, but it may well be that an offer comes in that is too good to turn down.
And with Jayden Oosterwolde being touted as a target for Leeds, it could be that the West Yorkshire side believe there are better options out there.
Fiorentina ready to step up pursuit of new defender
Fiorentina have already signed Jack Harrison from Leeds on loan until the end of the season, with that deal containing an option to make it permanent.
And it may well be that Bijol himself ends up in Florence before the window shuts for business on 2 February.
As per a report from Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition on Wednesday, Fiorentina are about to step up their pursuit of a new defender having already concluded four deals this window – Harrison being one of them.
Bijol is named as one of those Serie A relegation battlers Fiorentina are looking at, but there are also other options.
Juventus pair Daniele Rugani and Federico Gatti are also wanted, as is Diogo Leite of Porto. However, Brighton’s Diego Coppola is top of the list.
Fiorentina are clearly desperate for another defender, and it may well be that they hone in one Bijol should they be unsuccessful in luring Coppola away from Brighton.
Why would Leeds even consider Bijol sale this window?
Given Bijol has been used regularly by Daniel Farke this season, it would be a big surprise were he to leave.
However, there are a couple of reasons why that may be the case. The first is PSR concerns, with Leeds knowing they will sometimes be forced into sales to help breaching financial rules.
The second is that other options may be wanted, such as the aforementioned Oosterwolde, and funds would first need to be raised.
| Bijol | PL 2025-26 |
| Games | 12 |
| Mins | 985 |
| Clean sheets | 1 |
| Yellow cards | 1 |
The ball is seemingly in Fiorentina’s court right now as no offer appears to have been forthcoming for Bijol.
Should that change, though, and an offer be incoming, it will be interesting to see exactly what stance Leeds take.
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