Leeds mooted to seal Bijol agreement amid £17m development
Leeds United appear to be ramping up their pursuit of securing the transfer of Udinese defender Jaka Bijol.
Daniel Farke wants Leeds to sign new defenders this summer as his side will be playing Premier League football next season.
The Whites will want to avoid getting relegated come May 2026 and will thus need to make shrewd moves in the summer.
Bijol can seal Elland Road transfer for £17m fee
Leeds are in talks to sign the Udinese centre-back as they have made him a priority in the coming weeks.
The Elland Road outfit initially thought that £19million would be needed to sign Bijol, but they can sign him for less.
According to Yorkshire Evening Post's Joe Donnoue, the Whites could secure his signing for a £17million fee.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes played |
| 37 | 2 | 2 | 3189 |
The two clubs are in negotiations currently over the potential transfer of the Slovenia international.
Should the Yorkshire club succeed in bringing him, he will be their first signing of the summer.
Donnohue wrote on X: "Sources close to the deal in Italy believe €20 million (£17m) will get an agreement over the line for #LUFC target Jaka Bijol. Leeds and Udinese remain in negotiations for the Slovenian international defender."
Farke will look to get the best out of Bijol at Leeds
To optimise Bijol’s performance at Leeds United, Farke should leverage the 26-year-old's strengths while addressing his limitations.
He's a commanding centre-back from Udinese, excels in aerial duels and ball-carrying, so that should primarily be what he brings to the Elland Road outfit.
Farke’s 4-2-3-1 system, emphasising possession and high pressing, can utilise Bijol’s leadership and physicality alongside Joe Rodon, forming a robust defensive spine.
To counter his lack of pace and disciplinary issues, the German should deploy him in a back four as the right centre-back, where his right-footedness aligns with Leeds’ tactics and use Ethan Ampadu’s midfield cover to mitigate risks from Bijol’s forward ventures.
Regular set-piece drills can maximise his heading prowess, vital without Pascal Struijk.
Farke’s focus on versatility suits Bijol’s multi-positional experience, ensuring adaptability in high-intensity Premier League matches, enhancing Leeds’ survival bid.