Leeds United Confirm Signing of Experienced Slovenian Centre-Back Jaka Bijol from Serie A Side Udinese to Solidify Defence for Premier League Season
Leeds United have officially announced the signing of Slovenian international Jaka Bijol from Serie A club Udinese, as the club continues its summer recruitment drive in preparation for a challenging return to the Premier League. The 25-year-old centre-back joins the Yorkshire club in what is being hailed as a significant addition to the Whites’ defensive setup, as manager Daniel Farke and the Leeds United hierarchy aim to build a competitive squad that can not only survive but thrive in the top flight.
The transfer, reportedly valued at £12 million including performance-related add-ons, represents one of Leeds United’s marquee defensive acquisitions in recent years. Bijol, who has been a mainstay in both Udinese’s backline and the Slovenian national team, arrives at Elland Road with a reputation for composure under pressure, tactical intelligence, and aerial prowess—traits that have been in high demand for a Leeds team looking to stabilize after several seasons of defensive inconsistency.
“This is a proud moment for me,” Bijol said in his first interview with the club’s media team following the official announcement. “The Premier League is the best league in the world, and Leeds United is a club with an incredible history and passionate supporters. I’m here to help the team in any way I can, and I’m ready for the challenge.”
Bijol’s transfer marks an ambitious shift for Leeds, who are determined not to repeat the mistakes of their previous stint in the Premier League, where a lack of depth and experience in key areas often led to poor defensive records. After successfully earning promotion from the Championship last season under Daniel Farke’s management, Leeds’ board has signaled its intent to back the manager in the transfer market. The acquisition of Bijol is both a statement of purpose and a tactical necessity as the club prepares for the physical and mental demands of top-tier football.
The Slovenian centre-back’s footballing journey has been anything but ordinary. Born in Vuzenica, Slovenia, in 1999, Jaka Bijol began his youth career at NK Dravograd before making his professional debut with Rudar Velenje. His maturity and commanding presence at the back, even at a young age, quickly caught the attention of scouts across Europe. By 2018, he had secured a move to CSKA Moscow in Russia, where he further honed his defensive skills in one of Europe’s more physically demanding leagues.
Bijol’s versatility allowed him to operate as both a central defender and a defensive midfielder during his early years in Russia, but it was during his time at Udinese that he firmly established himself as a top-level centre-back. After joining the Italian side in 2022, Bijol became a fixture in the Friulani’s defence, earning plaudits for his consistent performances against some of the best forwards in Serie A. His positional awareness, anticipation, and ability to lead the defensive line were evident as he helped Udinese maintain one of the more respectable defensive records outside of the league’s elite.
His performances in Serie A also earned him regular call-ups to the Slovenian national team, where he quickly became a dependable figure under manager Matjaž Kek. Bijol was instrumental in helping Slovenia qualify for Euro 2024, showcasing his leadership on the international stage. At 6’4″, he offers not only a physical presence but also composure in possession, a skill highly valued in modern football and particularly in the Premier League’s high-tempo environment.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, known for his methodical approach to team-building and an emphasis on defensive organization, has been personally involved in identifying targets that fit his system. Speaking about Bijol’s arrival, Farke said, “Jaka is a player who fits exactly what we’re looking for. He’s intelligent, calm, and a real leader in the backline. He’s played at a high level in Italy and has international experience, which will be invaluable to us. He’s the kind of player who leads by example.”
Farke’s words reflect a broader strategic shift at Leeds United, where the focus has moved toward sustainable squad development and long-term planning. After enduring relegation from the Premier League in the 2022–23 season, Leeds spent the following Championship campaign rebuilding both structurally and emotionally. Under Farke, the team found consistency and resilience, traits that had been missing during previous campaigns, and ultimately achieved promotion back to the Premier League through a combination of tactical discipline, youthful exuberance, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Bijol’s signing is part of a carefully curated plan to address key weaknesses, particularly in the central defensive area. Leeds have struggled with defensive depth in past seasons, often relying on makeshift backlines when injuries and suspensions struck. The addition of Bijol not only adds quality but also stability, as he is expected to form the core of Leeds’ defensive setup alongside emerging talents and returning players.
Off the pitch, Bijol has already made a strong impression at Thorp Arch, the club’s training facility. Staff and teammates have noted his professionalism, focus, and willingness to integrate quickly into the squad. His English, honed during previous international stints and time in multicultural locker rooms, has enabled seamless communication with teammates and coaching staff.
Fans, too, have expressed excitement over the signing, taking to social media in droves to welcome the Slovenian international. “We finally have a proper leader at the back,” wrote one supporter on X. “Bijol is exactly what we’ve been missing—strong, composed, and with the experience to organize the defence.” Others noted his performances for Slovenia and Udinese as evidence of his quality, with many predicting that he could quickly become a fan favorite at Elland Road.
Leeds United’s sporting director Nick Hammond played a central role in negotiating the deal, working closely with Udinese representatives to secure the transfer amid interest from several other European clubs. “Jaka was a priority for us,” Hammond revealed. “We knew other clubs were watching him closely, but we were able to act quickly and decisively. His desire to join Leeds was clear from the start, and that made all the difference.”
Indeed, Bijol himself admitted that the prospect of playing Premier League football was a significant motivator in his decision. “It’s always been a dream of mine,” he said. “The pace, the passion, the quality—you can’t find that combination anywhere else. When Leeds came calling, I didn’t have to think twice. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
As pre-season begins, Bijol will be tasked with adapting to the rigors of Premier League football, but all signs point to a smooth transition. His Serie A experience, where he regularly faced world-class attackers, has equipped him with the tools needed to cope with the demands of England’s elite division. With friendly fixtures scheduled against high-level opponents in the coming weeks, Bijol is expected to get his first minutes in a Leeds shirt before the season opener at Elland Road.
The club has already begun tailoring training sessions to ensure the new signing integrates tactically and physically, with particular attention being paid to defensive set-pieces and positional drills. Farke’s preference for structured pressing and a disciplined backline aligns well with Bijol’s strengths, and fans can expect to see him feature prominently in the club’s defensive unit moving forward.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Bijol is also expected to bring leadership and mentorship to a relatively young Leeds squad. His international pedigree and calm demeanor are qualities that younger players can learn from, particularly in high-pressure situations that often define the Premier League season.
With Leeds United continuing to explore the market for additional signings, the acquisition of Jaka Bijol sets the tone for what is shaping up to be a transformative summer. The club’s ambition to re-establish itself in the Premier League is matched by strategic moves like this—targeting experienced, battle-tested professionals who can lift the standard both in the dressing room and on the pitch.
Only time will tell how successful Bijol’s Premier League journey will be, but for now, the mood in West Yorkshire is one of cautious optimism. Leeds United are building not just a team, but a foundation for long-term success. And in Jaka Bijol, they may have found the perfect cornerstone for the future of their defence.
