Leeds United accelerate Jaka Bijol transfer as sources share new update
Leeds United are yet to make a summer signing, but that could soon change at Elland Road.
The West Yorkshire club have identified Jaka Bijol as a transfer target, and a potential deal has gathered pace with Udinese.
As well as Bijol, the Whites are working on deals for Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra and former loanee Manor Solomon.
Judging from the latest updates in LS11, the Peacocks are targeting Premier League experience as well as talent from across Europe.
Leeds United deal to sign Udinese’s Jaka Bijol gathers pace
Leeds were initially quoted £16million to sign Bijol, who currently plays his football in Serie A with Udinese.
The centre-back has been a mainstay in the Italian outfit’s backline and has amassed just under 100 appearances in three seasons for Le Zebrette.
Last season, the Slovenian international guided Udinese to a 12th-place finish and notched some admirable defensive statistics.
| Jaka Bijol’s 2024/25 Serie A statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
| Interceptions | 1.1 |
| Tackles per game | 1.3 |
| Clearances | 5.4 |
There have been reports that Bijol had agreed on personal terms with Leeds, although that is yet to be confirmed.
However, sources at Elland Road have confirmed that talks between the Peacocks and Udinese accelerated over the weekend, according to The Athletic.
Those sources, who spoke anonymously, said that no fee has been agreed, but Bijol’s valuation is between £12.7million-£15.2million.
Leeds can bolster defence with reasonable Bijol fee
The hub of their defence may not be at the top of Leeds’ transfer priorities, but Bijol would be a reasonable acquisition.
Farke already possesses several solid options in Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and Pascal Struijk, but added competition would be healthy.
Although the trio are solid options for the Whites, the Premier League is a step up, and four strong centre-backs are better than three, especially with Ampadu mainly starting in midfield.
Given the money touted for Bijol, it seems like a sensible signing and one that will not scupper further transfer plans.
Leeds will need a new goalkeeper and another striker to seriously challenge in the Premier League, but they know that.
The Yorkshire club can make a strong start to the window by signing Bijol and then must press on with priority positions.