PGMOL Insider warns Jaka Bijol ‘behave yourself’ after £15m move

 

Leeds United’s recent acquisition of Slovenian centre-back Jaka Bijol from Serie A side Udinese has sparked excitement among the fanbase, but former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has urged caution, suggesting the defender will require a period of adaptation to meet the physical and disciplinary demands of English football.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett, who once served as the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and was a FIFA-listed official, praised the £15million signing as a strong addition to Daniel Farke’s side. However, he also warned that Bijol’s disciplinary record from last season in Italy raises valid concerns for supporters ahead of the new campaign.

“Jaka Bijol is undoubtedly a player with the right profile to succeed at Leeds,” Hackett said. “But he’s also one who must learn to control his aggression and decision-making on the pitch if he wants to thrive in the Premier League.”

Bijol, 26, arrives as part of a reinforced defensive unit at Elland Road, joining existing options such as Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu, and Joe Rodon. Leeds’ defense will play a critical role in the club’s fight to avoid relegation in the 2024/25 season, especially given the unforgiving nature of the Premier League.

Last season, Leeds stood out in the Championship as one of the more disciplined sides, finishing with fewer disciplinary issues than most—only Middlesbrough received more yellow cards, and Leeds were one of just four teams to avoid a single red card over the course of the season. Farke is expected to demand that same level of control from his new arrivals, particularly from Bijol.

Despite Bijol’s experience and evident talent, there are lingering concerns about his temperament. During his final campaign in Serie A with Udinese, the Slovenian defender received 11 yellow cards and one red card, raising questions about how he will handle the pace and physicality of the English game.

In fact, only Jayden Bogle was shown more yellow cards than Bijol across Europe’s top leagues, highlighting just how aggressive the Slovenian can be in his defensive duties.

Nonetheless, Hackett remains confident that Bijol can grow into an essential player for Leeds, provided he curbs his rash tendencies.

“I like players who show a bit of fire – it’s part of the game,” Hackett said. “Leeds United have a proud tradition of combative, committed footballers—just look back at legends like Norman Hunter, Billy Bremner, and Jack Charlton. Bijol fits that mold perfectly.”

He added, “The fans at Elland Road will love him if he channels that passion properly. Expect those ‘oohs and ahhs’ every time he makes a crunching tackle. But self-control will be key. The Premier League is more physical than Serie A, so he’ll need to find a balance between aggression and discipline.”

Hackett also emphasized that much of Bijol’s disciplinary issues could be managed with proper guidance, especially if his bookings were a result of dissent rather than dangerous tackles.

“If the yellow cards are for dissent, that can be corrected through coaching and leadership,” Hackett explained. “If they’re for mistimed challenges, that’s where referees will make their judgment. A quiet word from the captain or a brief chat from the referee mid-match can go a long way in helping him adjust.”

In addition to bolstering their defense, Leeds are reportedly accelerating their pursuit of Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, with Farke keen to strengthen his squad in multiple areas ahead of what promises to be a demanding season.

As the Whites prepare for the new Premier League campaign, supporters are being asked to remain patient with their new signings, especially Bijol, whose potential could prove invaluable once he settles into life in English football.