After announcing £15m Jaka Bijol deal, Leeds United will now submit bid to sign striker compared to Jamie Vardy
Leeds United Confirm Second Summer Signing and Prepare Improved Bid for Nikola Krstovic
Leeds United have officially completed their second signing of the summer transfer window, adding further strength to their defensive ranks with the arrival of Jaka Bijol from Udinese. The Slovenia international, who impressed with his consistency and commanding presence in Serie A, has agreed to a five-year deal at Elland Road. The transfer, valued at £15 million, signals Leeds’ serious intent to reinforce their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Bijol joins Leeds shortly after the club secured the services of German forward Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer earlier in June. Together, the two arrivals mark a promising start to a pivotal summer for Daniel Farke, as the Whites aim to rebuild a squad capable of competing in the top flight following their recent promotion.
While Bijol’s signing provides much-needed depth in central defence, Leeds are far from finished in the transfer market. Strengthening the forward line remains a top priority, and the club is now preparing a renewed offer for Lecce’s rising star, Nikola Krstovic, in a bid to add firepower to their attacking options.
Leeds to Table New Bid for Nikola Krstovic
According to a fresh report from Italian outlet La Gazzetta Del Mezzogiorno, Leeds are set to submit an improved offer for Montenegrin striker Nikola Krstovic after their initial bid of €23 million (£20m) was turned down by Lecce. The Italian club, while under no financial pressure to sell, have made it clear they would be willing to sanction a move if their valuation of €30 million (£25.7m) is met.
Krstovic, 25, enjoyed a strong 2025/26 season with Lecce, netting 11 goals across 37 Serie A appearances. His performances have not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from several other clubs across Europe, including Real Betis, Sevilla, AC Milan, Roma, and Sporting CP. The latter may soon be in the market for a new striker themselves, with Arsenal reportedly closing in on Viktor Gyokeres.
Despite the competition, Leeds appear determined to get their man. The modest difference between their initial offer and Lecce’s asking price suggests that a deal could be reached in the coming weeks, especially with Lecce Sporting Director Stefano Trinchera confirming the club’s stance.
“We are in a healthy financial position,” Trinchera stated. “There’s no obligation to sell, but we will consider offers that meet our valuation.”
Krstovic Compared to Premier League Icon Jamie Vardy
While Krstovic might not be a household name among English football fans, his style of play has drawn some eye-catching comparisons. According to advanced data from FBREF, the Montenegro international shares a number of similarities with Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy.
Both players excel in high-intensity, direct styles of play, with Krstovic recording impressive statistics in key offensive metrics. He averages 3.95 shots per 90 minutes, wins 2.68 aerial duels, and produces 2.56 shot-creating actions per match – all figures that align closely with Vardy during his Premier League peak.
Vardy, who scored 145 goals in 342 top-flight appearances for Leicester and famously led the line during their historic 2015/16 title-winning season, serves as an ambitious but aspirational benchmark. If Krstovic can replicate even half of Vardy’s impact in England, Leeds would have secured a genuine attacking asset.
What’s Next for Leeds?
Daniel Farke and the Leeds United recruitment team remain active and ambitious. Having solidified their backline with Bijol and added versatility with Nmecha, all eyes now turn to the pursuit of Krstovic. With negotiations likely to intensify in the days ahead, Leeds fans will be hopeful that their club can land the prolific forward and continue building a squad ready to make a statement on their Premier League return.
Further additions are also expected as Leeds continue to work behind the scenes, with emphasis on strengthening both midfield and forward areas. As it stands, the mood at Elland Road is one of cautious optimism, with momentum building both on and off the pitch.