Leeds United have some big ambitions after promotion to the Premier League this season. LUFC have a huge job to do over this summer window if they hope to fight for survival in the top flight next year.
Daniel Farke’s side have been linked with many relatively high-profile names already in the window. No deals have been done yet by Leeds United but it appears to only be a matter of time until they get their first signing over the line.
LUFC have been heavily linked with a move for Udinese defender Jaja Bijol this month. Now, according to Leeds Live, the club are closing in on completing a deal for the Slovenian international.
Bijol has reportedly agreed to join Leeds United, but a deal is not yet in place between them and Udinese. LUFC have had bids rejected for Bijol, but a deal should be close with a fee of around £17m believed to be enough to get it done.
Ready for the next step
Bijol has been a full Slovenian international since the age of 19 and has earned 62 caps for his country. He began his senior career at 18 with Rudar Velenje, making 30 appearances before joining Russian giants CSKA Moscow.
The 26-year-old spent the next four years developing his game in Russia before making the move to Italy in 2022. He has gone on to make 95 appearances for Udinese and is a key player at the club.
Bijol has been a consistent performer season after season. However, he appears ready for a new challenge, and Premier League football with Leeds could be an ideal next step.
A strong start to the window
Signing Bijol would be an excellent start to a very important transfer window for Leeds United. Bijol represents exactly the right type of player that the club should be aiming for.
He is a brilliant defender of his box and at 26 is the perfect age for LUFC. Just coming into his prime, he could offer some good resale value for Leeds, something that is all-important these days with PSR.
If a deal is done for around the £17m mark, as reported, then LUFC have struck gold. Four or five signings of a similar ilk to Bijol would put Leeds United in a very strong position.
