Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Mon 23 March 2026 20:40, UK

Jaka Bijol says he is relishing a “new challenge” with Slovenia as the Leeds United ace prepares to for the upcoming internationals.

The 27-year-old is part of Slovenia’s squad for their friendlies against Hungary and Montenegro on 28 and 31 March respectively.

Bijol has featured regularly for Leeds this campaign, making 22 appearances in all competitions, and is also a regular for his country.

However, it has been a period of transition for Slovenia as Bostjan Cesar has replaced Matjaz Kek in the dugout following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

After playing his part in Leeds’ clean sheet against Brentford, Bijol will now look to help his country build towards Euro 2028.

Jaka Bijol one of many Leeds players away on international duty

Daniel Farke will have his fingers crossed that each player jetting off this week returns injury free for the FA Cup quarter-final showdown with West Ham on April 5.

Bijol will likely play in both of Slovenia’s friendlies, with Cesar – previously assistant coach – no doubt wanting to run the rule over his charges.

Speaking to Leeds’ official website about the upcoming internationals, Bijol said: “It is going to be a new challenge, a bit of new energy and a new vision of the game from the coach.

“It is going to be hard work in training, and then we will try to do good in the games and bring the ideas of the new coach to the field.

“A new coach is always going to have new challenges and for him to challenge us as a team. We have the same goals, so we have to work together and try to perform as best as possible.”

Slovenia’s clash with Hungary is set to be played at Puskas Arena in Budapest – the venue for this season’s Champions League final – and the Montenegro game is set for Podgorica.

Bijol transfer value climbing – how much could he be worth?

The last thing Leeds fans will want to hear is talk of Bijol leaving Elland Road, but that may well happen should the Whites go down.

Bijol arrived in West Yorkshire from Udinese is a deal worth a reported £15million last summer.

As per the CIES Football Observatory’s latest update, Bijol is now worth an estimated £16.4m and £19m.

Leeds fans will argue that is rather on the low side as he has only got better in the eight months or so he has been a Leeds player.

The hope now is that Bijol does not pick up any sort of injury while away with Slovenia as Leeds have a crucial period ahead.