Newcastle 'make transfer hijack call' as Leeds United eye Jaka Bijol swoop
Newcastle and Leeds United have both been linked with a move to sign Udinese defender Jaka Bijol this summer.
The Magpies qualified for the Champions League and are looking to strengthen their first team and also add to the depth.
Leeds scheduled a medical for Bijol this week as they aim to sign him ahead of the St James' Park outfit.
Newcastle potentially priortise other options over Bijol
Given Newcastle's Champions League status and rich owners, they should have an advantage over the Elland Road outfit to sign the 26-year-old.
They're also assured of Premier League safety and the same cannot be said about Leeds.
The last six sides to have been promoted have gone back down, so the odds are certainly stacked against them.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSKA Moscow | 96 | 7 | 8 |
| Udinese | 95 | 5 | 4 |
| Hannover 96 | 31 | 0 | 0 |
| Rudar Velenje | 30 | 3 | 3 |
Per the Chronicle (19 June), while the Magpies have the option to hijack the Slovenia international's deal, they are not expected to take it.
They are potentially prioritising other targets, paving the way for Leeds to finalise the arrival of Bijol.
Leeds United spared complications due to Newcastle's minimal involvement
Leeds United have benefited significantly from Newcastle's decision not to pursue Bijol, as it keeps his transfer fee and wage demands manageable.
The Tyneside outfit's financial muscle and Premier League status could have inflated Bijol’s price, with Udinese potentially demanding a premium for the 26-year-old Slovenian centre-back, who has impressed in Serie A and at Euro 2024.
Their interest would likely have driven up competition, pushing his valuation beyond Leeds’ budget, especially given their constraints.
Additionally, Newcastle’s involvement might have raised Bijol’s wage expectations, complicating negotiations for a club mindful of financial fair play.
With the Elland Road outfit needing defensive reinforcements to ensure they avoid relegation, securing Bijol at a reasonable cost allows them to strengthen their squad efficiently.
His physicality, aerial prowess and ball-playing ability align with Daniel Farke’s system, making this lack of rival interest a strategic advantage for Leeds’ survival push.
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