A better signing than Bijol: Leeds open talks to sign £17m “animal”
Leeds United Open Talks Over £17m Premier League “Animal” – An Upgrade on Bijol?
As Leeds United gear up for their long-awaited return to the Premier League, anticipation is building around how they’ll shape their squad for the upcoming campaign. Having secured automatic promotion, the focus now firmly shifts to recruitment—and the Whites are showing serious intent in the transfer market.
With their Premier League opener looming in August, Leeds already know the scale of the challenge they’ll face in the opening month. Their fixture list sees them pitted against seasoned top-flight sides like Everton, Arsenal, and Newcastle United in rapid succession. It’s a tough start for Daniel Farke’s men, and the pressure is on to hit the ground running and claim early points to settle nerves at Elland Road.
Leeds Strengthen Ahead of Tough Return
Leeds haven’t wasted time in bolstering their ranks. The arrivals of Jaka Bijol from Udinese and Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg have already added muscle and depth, with Bijol, the towering 6-foot-3 Slovenian defender, tipped to bring aerial strength and composure at the back.
However, Farke and the Leeds hierarchy are still working behind the scenes to further reinforce the squad. According to new reports out of Spain, via Sport Witness, Leeds are in advanced discussions to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Igor Julio—a Premier League-experienced centre-back who could prove an even smarter acquisition than Bijol.
Igor Julio: The Ideal Premier League-Ready Defender?
The Brazilian defender, currently valued at around £17 million by Transfermarkt, is attracting significant interest not just from Leeds, but also fellow English sides Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, Leeds appear confident that their promotion windfall and growing ambitions can sway the balance in their favour.
Unlike Bijol, who has yet to be tested in the demanding environment of English football, Igor arrives with proven Premier League pedigree. Over the past two seasons, he has featured prominently for Brighton, a club known for developing technically gifted, tactically disciplined defenders. His performances have consistently earned praise for his calmness under pressure and his elite ball distribution from the back.
Igor Julio Premier League Stats
(via Sofascore)
Season Games Pass Accuracy Ball Recoveries Duels Won
2023/24 24 94% 4.4 per game 3.0 per game
2024/25 13 93% 3.2 per game 1.8 per game
These numbers highlight a player with immense composure and positional intelligence. His 94% pass accuracy in his first Premier League season stands out, especially when compared to Bijol’s 84% pass completion rate from last season. This suggests that Igor may be better suited to playing under Farke’s system, which places a premium on ball retention and structured buildup play.
Experience & Mentality: What Sets Igor Apart
Igor’s advantage doesn’t end at his statistics. While Bijol boasts promise and physical dominance, Igor brings with him a wealth of top-tier experience. Before moving to Brighton, the Brazilian clocked up 104 appearances in Serie A with Fiorentina—demonstrating not only durability but also the tactical versatility that comes with years spent in one of Europe’s most defensively rigorous leagues.
At 27 years old, Igor is entering his prime, and his maturity could make him a natural leader at the back for Leeds. His readiness to handle the pace and intensity of the Premier League could offer an immediate upgrade to Leeds’ backline, particularly with high-stakes fixtures early in the season.
Former Brighton coach Inigo Calderon once described Igor as an “animal” on the pitch—a fierce competitor who gives everything for the badge. That warrior-like mentality could be exactly what Leeds need as they brace themselves for the physical and mental challenges of England’s top flight.
Leeds’ Transfer Vision Taking Shape
With new-found financial flexibility following promotion, Leeds are clearly aiming to build not just for survival, but for stability in the Premier League. Landing a player like Igor Julio—battle-tested, composed under pressure, and tactically astute—would represent a huge statement of intent.
Though Jaka Bijol remains a valuable addition, the signing of Igor would add another layer of readiness and reliability to the Leeds defence. The club is determined not to be caught off guard in their Premier League return, and acquiring proven players with top-level experience is a smart path forward.
Whether Leeds can fend off competition from Palace and Wolves remains to be seen, but if they do, Igor Julio might just become one of the most important signings of their summer rebuild—and possibly a key figure in ensuring their Premier League stay lasts longer than a single season.