Leeds United Signs Jaka Bijol
Leeds United has officially added Jaka Bijol to their ranks, securing the defender on a five-year deal from Italian side Udinese. This transaction, valued at around £15 million ($20.24 million), includes additional performance-based incentives, as reported by The Athletic. Bijol, who is 26 years old, underwent a medical earlier last week in West Yorkshire after negotiations between the two clubs.
Summer Transfers and Future Interests
This signing marks Leeds’ second acquisition this summer, following the free transfer of forward Lukas Nmecha, which is set to be finalized on July 1, although it was announced on June 15. Additionally, Leeds has expressed interest in Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, having previously submitted a bid of £26 million ($34.9 million) along with £6 million ($8.1 million) in potential add-ons, though this offer was turned down.
In their pursuit of further strengthening the squad, Leeds is also looking to secure a left-back, with Gabriel Gudmundsson of Lille being highlighted as a potential target. The Swedish defender is nearing the end of his contract with the Ligue 1 club, which has just one year remaining.
Bijol’s Career Overview
Bijol’s journey to Leeds began when he joined Udinese in the summer of 2022 from CSKA Moscow, following a loan stint at Hannover 96 in the 2020-21 season. During the last campaign, he featured in 37 matches for Udinese, contributing two goals and two assists. He has consistently been in the starting lineup across his three seasons in Serie A, totaling 93 appearances and even captaining the team for parts of the previous season. Udinese finished 12th in the league.
International Play
On the international stage, Bijol made his debut for Slovenia at the young age of 19 in 2018. Since then, he has earned 63 caps and played every match for his national team during the 2024 European Championship, where Slovenia reached the round of 16 before being knocked out by Portugal in a penalty shootout.
