Godwin ObajeLeeds United Close in on 6ft 4″ Colossus Jaka Bijol as 49ers Push to Finalise Deal
Leeds United are closing in on the signing of towering Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol, with the Udinese star reportedly agreeing personal terms ahead of a potential move to Elland Road.
According to reports from Tutto Udinese, the 6ft 4in centre-back has “opened up to the possibility” of joining Daniel Farke’s side this summer, as Leeds continue to build towards a successful return to the Premier League.
Fresh off their Championship-winning campaign — where they amassed an impressive 100 points to secure promotion at the second attempt — Leeds are intent on avoiding the fate of recent top-flight newcomers. All six newly promoted clubs over the past two seasons have gone straight back down, including Burnley and Sheffield United, both of whom pushed Leeds close in the race for automatic promotion.
Determined not to follow suit, the 49ers Enterprises-led ownership are now working to complete a number of early moves in the market — and Bijol looks set to be one of the first through the door.
“An agreement must now be found,” the report from Tutto Udinese states, noting that Leeds have already tabled an initial offer of £14 million for the Slovenian international. Talks are continuing, with a revised bid of more than £15 million expected to bring the deal “closer to the white smoke.”
Bijol, who turned 26 earlier this year, has developed into one of Serie A’s more consistent defenders since joining Udinese in 2022. Originally a defensive midfielder, the Slovenian has seamlessly transitioned into a centre-back — a position in which he has excelled thanks to his physicality, composure, and ability to distribute with both feet.
During the 2024/25 campaign, he made 34 Serie A appearances for Udinese, scoring once and playing 2,964 minutes in total. He also featured in three Coppa Italia ties, notching another goal in the process.
A regular for the Slovenian national team, Bijol brings top-level experience and the kind of robust profile that could prove vital for Leeds in their bid to establish themselves in the Premier League once again. With his prime years still ahead of him, the move represents a smart blend of short-term reinforcement and long-term investment.
The club’s recruitment team have made it clear that defensive depth is a key priority heading into the new season. Bijol, described as “comfortable in his passing, with both feet no less” and praised for his physical presence, fits the mould of what Farke’s Leeds are looking to build — a dynamic, athletic side capable of holding their own at the top level.
While final negotiations remain ongoing, all signs suggest Leeds are well-positioned to secure their man. Should the deal cross the line in the coming days, Jaka Bijol would become the first major signing of the summer and a key figure in Farke’s Premier League blueprint.
Godwin Obaje
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