Leeds United Secure €22m Deal for Udinese’s Jaka Bijol

Leeds United have reached an agreement with Serie A side Udinese to sign Slovenian centre-back Jaka Bijol in a deal worth €22 million, including add-ons, sources confirmed to The Yorkshire Post.

The transfer marks a significant coup for the Whites as they bolster their defensive ranks ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. With personal terms already agreed, Bijol is set to undergo a medical in the coming days, paving the way for his move to Elland Road.

The 25-year-old defender, who has been a standout performer for Udinese, caught the attention of Leeds scouts with his commanding presence, aerial dominance, and composure on the ball.

The club-to-club negotiations, which progressed swiftly over the past week, culminated in a breakthrough on Monday, with both sides finalising the financial package.

The deal includes a base fee of €18 million, with an additional €4 million in performance-related add-ons, reflecting Leeds’ ambition to strengthen their squad under manager Daniel Farke.

Bijou, who has earned 44 caps for Slovenia, brings a wealth of experience from his time in Serie A and the Russian Premier League with CSKA Moscow.

Standing at 6’3”, the centre-back is known for his physicality and ability to read the game, qualities that are expected to complement Leeds’ high-intensity style of play.

His arrival is seen as a direct response to the club’s need for defensive reinforcement following a season plagued by injuries and inconsistency at the back.

Sources close to the club indicate that Bijol’s terms were finalised without complications, with the player reportedly enthusiastic about joining the Premier League side.

The medical, scheduled to take place within the next 48 hours, is expected to be a formality, barring any unforeseen issues.

Once completed, Bijol will become Leeds’ second major signing of the summer transfer window, following the earlier acquisition of a midfielder to bolster Farke’s squad.

Leeds United fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with many praising the club’s decisive move in the transfer market.

The hashtag #LUFC has been trending on X, with supporters hailing Bijol as a “statement signing” for the Yorkshire club’s Premier League aspirations.

Udinese, meanwhile, are already scouting replacements for Bijol, who has been a key figure in their backline since joining from CSKA Moscow in 2022.

The Italian club is expected to reinvest the transfer fee to strengthen their squad for the upcoming Serie A campaign.

As Leeds prepares to welcome their new defensive star, attention now turns to how Bijol will integrate into Farke’s tactical setup. With the Premier League season fast approaching, the Slovenian’s arrival signals Leeds United’s intent to compete at the highest level.