Leeds United Secure The Signing Of This Serie A Centre-back: What He Would BringTo Elland Road
Leeds United Near Jaka Bijol Signing After Medical Completed – A Major Boost for Daniel Farke’s Defence
Leeds United appear to be closing in on what could prove to be one of their most important signings of the summer. According to a recent report from The Athletic, the Whites are on the verge of finalizing a deal for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol, with the player understood to have completed a medical examination in West Yorkshire on Wednesday. The defender’s trip to England was reportedly sanctioned by the Serie A club, signaling that a full agreement is not far away.
While the two clubs have not yet reached a final agreement on the transfer fee, negotiations are progressing steadily. Leeds initially valued the 26-year-old Slovenian at approximately £14.5 million, but Udinese were holding out for a sum closer to £21 million. However, both parties are now believed to be approaching a compromise, with a proposed fee in the region of £18.75 million likely to break the deadlock. Once the deal is finalized, Bijol is expected to be unveiled as the club’s second major addition of the summer transfer window, following the free transfer capture of former Manchester City forward Lukas Nmecha.
Standing at 6 ft 4 in, Bijol brings an imposing physical presence to the heart of defence—something Leeds sorely lacked at times last season. His journey to top-tier European football has been anything but conventional. Bijol began his youth career with Slovenian outfits Dravograd and Bravo, before making his senior breakthrough at Rudar Velenje in the Slovenian PrvaLiga. His performances quickly attracted international attention, leading to a €400,000 move to Russian heavyweights CSKA Moscow.
Initially used in a more advanced role, often as a box-to-box midfielder or even a makeshift striker, Bijol later found his niche in a defensive midfield capacity. A loan spell at German club Hannover 96 gave him valuable experience in a competitive environment, where he adapted well in a holding midfield role. It wasn’t until his return to CSKA Moscow that Bijol was permanently converted into a centre-back—a position where he has since thrived.
His performances at the back caught the eye of Italian scouts, and in the summer of 2022, he secured a €4 million switch to Udinese. Since arriving in Serie A, Bijol has grown into a key figure in Udinese’s backline, known for his composure, aerial dominance, and tactical discipline. Despite being hampered by some injury issues during his time in Italy, he has been a consistent performer when fit, amassing considerable experience in one of Europe’s most tactically demanding leagues. With 63 international caps for Slovenia, Bijol also brings leadership and big-game temperament—qualities that will be invaluable in the Premier League.
For Leeds head coach Daniel Farke, this potential signing represents a significant step toward shoring up a defence that endured its fair share of difficulties last season. Farke, who twice led Norwich City to promotion from the Championship, is determined to learn from past missteps in the Premier League. Unlike his previous stint in the top flight, Farke now seems focused on adding proven quality rather than simply bolstering squad depth.
Bijol’s arrival could offer much-needed stability at the back. Although Leeds had some solid defensive performances last season—particularly through the partnership of Joe Rodon and captain Ethan Ampadu—there were vulnerabilities, especially when injuries struck. Ampadu was occasionally pushed into midfield, and while Pascal Struijk admirably filled in at centre-back, the drop in defensive assurance was noticeable. Complicating matters further, Maximilian Wöber struggled to establish himself, and Josuha Guilavogui’s short-term stay came to an end.
That leaves Leeds with the need for a commanding presence in central defence—someone with top-level pedigree and physical attributes suited to the intensity of English football. Bijol, shaped by the discipline of Serie A and tested in various European leagues, looks to be an ideal fit.
The Premier League demands speed, physicality, and composure under pressure—qualities Bijol appears to possess in abundance. His strong aerial ability, combined with positional awareness and leadership from the back, could significantly bolster Leeds’ defensive structure and help them avoid a repeat of past struggles.
If the deal goes through as expected, Jaka Bijol could well be a transformative figure in Leeds’ defensive line for the 2025–26 campaign—a statement signing that underlines the club’s ambition to re-establish themselves in the Premier League, not merely as survivors, but as serious competitors.