Jaka Bijol is closing in on a move to Leeds United from Serie A side Udinese this summer.
We have previously stated that Jaka Bijol would be the perfect profile of player for Leeds United to eye this summer transfer window to survive Premier League relegation.
The giant Udinese defender has been impressive for the last three seasons in Serie A, starting plenty of games for the side. Bijol would often be just in front of Marco Silvestri, with the former Leeds goalkeeper playing alongside the Slovenian in Udine.
The 6’3″ centre-back could now be set for a switch to West Yorkshire, with the likelihood of Bijol leaving Udinese always being a distinct possibility this summer.
Leeds are landing a bargain deal for Jaka Bijol
At Leeds United News we had previously tipped Bijol to be in Leeds’ starting XI — and it could soon become a real possibility as Leeds step up their efforts to acquire him.
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Rudar Valenje | 30 | 3 | 0 |
| CSKA Moscow | 96 | 7 | 8 |
| Hannover 96 | 31 | 0 | 0 |
| Udinese | 95 | 5 | 4 |
| Slovenia | 63 | 1 | 2 |
Beren Cross of The Athletic states that Leeds remain optimistic that they will complete a deal for Bijol in the near future, with talks now progressing.
There were initial reports of €20 million being enough for Leeds to land Bijol but other journalists, such as The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Joe Donnohue, outlined that it could be more like a fee of around £18-19 million for Bijol’s signature.
However, Cross’ report states a lower figure in what looks like being a bargain deal for the Whites this summer. Donnohue’s reports outline a fee closer to €22.5 million could be required, but it will not be that much now.
Cross says the deal is being discussed around the €15-18 million mark, which is only £12.7-15.2 million for Leeds to land the central defender.
Jaka Bijol joining Leeds will help to convince other players to join the club this summer
Even the upper end of that fee would be a magnificent deal for Leeds to be signing a peak-age central defender of Bijol’s experience.
Leeds want four priority signings, which are a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a central midfielder, and a striker this summer. Those first four transfers for Leeds are obvious, including Bijol.
But ensuring they have the spine to compete physically and in terms of quality is of vital importance. Leeds need robust players and leaders throughout that, and Bijol is a great statement to get the ball rolling.
Leeds’ early signings are the most crucial ones, as they indicate to the rest of the league that they mean business. More importantly, they could persuade other potential targets to join Leeds by setting the standard.
Bijol could be announced within days, but Leeds have to keep the momentum going and push on with other targets as soon as possible.
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