Leeds news round-up: Transfer announcement imminent as Bijol update emerges
Leeds United recently got their summer transfer window underway by announcing their first signing.
Daniel Farke’s side announced the signing of Lukas Nmecha upon the expiration of his contract at VfL Wolfsburg, as the 49ers put the first building block in place for the upcoming campaign.
The West Yorkshire outfit will know that several further additions will be needed if they are to compete for survival, with the addition of top-level experience sure to be high on the Whites’ list of transfer priorities this summer.
Here, MOT Leeds News rounds up all the latest news coming out of Elland Road, as the club’s summer begins to gather pace.
Real Betis are looking to finalise a deal for Mateo Joseph
Real Betis are believed to be making progress in their bid to sign Mateo Joseph, as the Spanish side continue to track the forward’s performances in the Under-21 European Championships.
The UEFA Conference League runners-up are understood to be hoping to start negotiations with Leeds over the next few weeks, according to ABC (15 June), despite the fact that they perceive the Whites’ demands to be too high at present.
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 41 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023/24 | 26 | 3 | – |
| 2022/23 | 6 | – | – |
| Total | 73 | 6 | 3 |
Joseph has struggled to add end product to his game in recent seasons, and after struggling for gametime in the Championship last term, it is seemingly inevitable that he will depart Elland Road before the season gets underway.
Leeds close to Bijol agreement as entourage set to fly into UK
The Whites are believed to be close to reaching an agreement to sign Jaka Bijol from Udinese, despite Newcastle United recently joining the race for the defender.
Leeds had seen an initial bid of £14.5million rejected by Udinese, but now they could be a matter of hours away from reaching a definitive agreement for the transfer.
Bijol’s representatives are understood to be flying into the UK, with talks set to commence imminently, according to Orazio Accomando (16 June).
Bolstering the backline is a major priority for Farke and Co. this summer, with Japhet Tanganga and Cameron Carter-Vickers having also been touted for moves to Elland Road.
Now it seems as though Bijol could become their first addition of the summer in the defensive half of the pitch.
Habib Diarra announcement imminent
Leeds are expected to announce the signing of Habib Diarra imminently.
Strasbourg are understood to have identified a replacement for their outgoing captain, whose move to Elland Road is all but confirmed.
Confirmation of the 21-year-old’s move to Leeds is believed to be imminent, with the fee expected to be in the region of £17m, according to Team Football (15 June).
Diarra will be a huge addition to Farke’s plans, as he will provide valuable depth in the spine of the team, an area that undoubtedly needs strengthening if Leeds are to survive the drop.