“He Finally Said YES to Leeds Move” – Terms Agreed; Deal 70% Done for £17m Star Who Would be a Great Signing for Leeds United in EPL Campaign

Leeds United Close In on Jaka Bijol After Defender Agrees Terms on Elland Road Switch

Leeds United have taken a significant step forward in their summer recruitment drive, with Udinese defender Jaka Bijol reportedly agreeing personal terms ahead of a potential £17 million move to Elland Road.

Having clinched the Championship title and secured a return to the Premier League, Daniel Farke’s focus has now turned towards strengthening key areas of the squad – and defence is firmly under the spotlight. LeedsLive reporter Isaac Johnson claims the Slovenia international has already “agreed” terms with the Whites, with the club now “growing in confidence” that a deal can be struck with Udinese in the coming days.

Italian outlet TuttoUdinese backs that up, reporting that Leeds’ initial £14m bid has been rejected, though a second offer worth £15m has edged negotiations closer to a final agreement. The 25-year-old has, according to the same report, “opened the door” to a move to West Yorkshire. The player is understood to be keen on the switch, leaving the two clubs to finalise the financials of the deal.

Bijol, described as “aerially dominant” by football writer Kyle Newbould, has made a name for himself in Serie A with a string of commanding performances for Udinese. Over the course of the 2024/25 campaign, he has impressed with his blend of physicality and composure on the ball – qualities that would fit seamlessly into the high-intensity demands of the Premier League.

FBref statistics from last season underline Bijol’s suitability for Leeds. He boasts an 84% pass accuracy, significantly higher than Leeds-linked Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga’s 77%. The Slovenian also leads in progressive passes (2.98 per 90 compared to Tanganga’s 2.10), while also narrowly edging his Championship counterpart in tackles and interceptions (2.46 vs 2.33), blocks (1.15 vs 0.99), and aerial duels won (3.31 vs 3.07). Only in clearances does Tanganga hold a marginal advantage (5.57 to Bijol’s 5.53).

Bijol’s potential arrival would not only solidify Leeds’ back line but also provide vital support for whoever replaces Illan Meslier in goal – another pressing area for the club this summer. Veteran Karl Darlow was forced to deputise during the closing stretch of the campaign after Meslier’s costly errors saw him benched for the final seven matches. The Frenchman’s future remains uncertain.

Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic has emerged as Leeds’ top goalkeeping target, having spent the past season on loan in Ligue 1, where he impressed with 7.91 goals prevented and zero errors leading to goals in 31 appearances. Though he was left out of Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad, the Serbian international is seen as a capable long-term solution between the posts.

As negotiations continue on both fronts, Leeds fans can take heart in the fact that their club is not only moving swiftly but also smartly – targeting players with top-level experience and statistical pedigree.

Should the Bijol deal be finalised in the coming days, it could mark a major coup for Leeds United’s Premier League return.