Leeds United have 27 days until they kick-off their Premier League campaign against Everton on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
Six new arrivals have joined Leeds United in preparation, but there remains far more work to be done before the 49ers and Daniel Farke have everything in place.
Angus Kinnear’s Everton will reunite with Leeds, albeit it’s fair to say that Leeds’ last five Premier League openers have certainly been a mixed bag.
Although Leeds’ toughest run of fixtures is through November and December, it’s an opener which has added pressure given the likely proximity in the table Leeds and Everton will be in.
Jaka Bijol outlines frustration over Everton suspension
Leeds finally got their man in Jaka Bijol this summer when Fabrizio Romano revealed a €22 million fee will bring Bijol to Leeds, which is the equivalent of £18.8 million for Leeds.
Leeds have signed Bijol on a five-year contract after suggestions over almost two months ago that Leeds should look at signing Bijol from Udinese before the genuine links emerged between Bijol and Leeds.
Bijol’s insane aerial dominance was on full display when Slovenia played England at the Euros last summer. However, it won’t be until the second game against Arsenal, as Bijol will miss Leeds’ opener against Everton, as we first revealed.
The Athletic spoke with Bijol, who has reacted to the latest developments regarding the Everton game against Leeds. Bijol said: “Honestly, it’s really disappointing for me.
“Because I really thought it wouldn’t (carry over) — and it also wasn’t even a red card, I would say.
“It’s kind of crazy. I asked if we can do something about it, but it looks like I just have to accept it.
“There’s still a lot of games left in the season. I’m sad to miss the first one, but there’s going to be a lot of them left.”
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Which of Joe Rodon, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Pascal Struijk will take Bijol’s place?
Bijol’s first words for Leeds spoke about the Everton game as well; which is why it will come as even more of a frustration. Dealing with Thierno Barry’s size and power will be no easy feat, either.
Leeds could opt for a centre-back duo of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon, which has been imperious for the majority of Championship games they have paired together.
However, Sebastiaan Bornauw is an intriguing proposition, given his aerial prowess is more akin to Bijol’s. All four are able to dominate aerially, but Barry’s frame will be difficult to deal with.
Bornauw might be required in West Yorkshire, but Bijol is undoubtedly likely to be starting games quickly after his return. That means Arsenal and Newcastle United will be his first opportunities to impress the Leeds faithful.
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