Leeds United ‘to pay £19m for Jaka Bijol’ as talks continue at Elland Road
Leeds United have hit a snag as they continue their talks to sign Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol in the ongoing transfer window.
The Whites have returned to the top flight after a two-year absence, and 49ers Enterprises should give Daniel Farke the signings needed to avoid immediate relegation.
Bijol has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road, and the West Yorkshire outfit have reportedly agreed personal terms with the defender.
The Peacocks continue their talks with the Serie A outfit to sign the Slovenia international, and things have gotten a bit complicated.
Udinese and Leeds United way apart in valuation for Bijol transfer
Udinese want around £19million for Bijol this summer amid interest from Leeds, according to Joe Donnohue.
The YEP journalist revealed on X (9 June) that the Italian outfit expect the Whites to pay the centre-back’s asking price in the ongoing transfer window.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes played |
| 37 | 2 | 2 | 3189 |
It’s been claimed that the West Yorkshire outfit and the Serie A club are far apart in their valuation of the Slovenian defender, and it remains to be seen how things unfold at Elland Road.
The Peacocks undoubtedly need to add reinforcements to their backline ahead of next season and be ready for the rigours of the Premier League.
Max Wober exit set at Elland Road after Bijol transfer
Max Wober’s time at Leeds seems to be coming to an end, with the Austrian ace hardly getting minutes in recent months.
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk were Farke’s preferred centre-back duo this season as they helped the Whites win the Championship title.
With the Dutch centre-back’s injury during the final weeks of the campaign, Ethan Ampadu’s versatility came in handy, but the Welshman’s consistent fitness issues are a cause for concern.
Leeds must build a competitive squad if they hope to survive in the English top flight and learn from Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town, who were relegated this season.
The Whites also evidently need a new goalkeeper after Farke lost faith in Illan Meslier, leading to his exile from the starting lineup.
Bijol’s potential arrival will only make Wober’s exit inevitable, but the West Yorkshire outfit should still pursue more backup options in their backline.
James Debayo is still young and untested, and the Slovenian centre-back will only be a small piece of the puzzle.