Leeds United Secure €22m Signing of Jaka Bijol from Udinese

Leeds United have finalized a €22m deal to sign Slovenian centre-back Jaka Bijol from Udinese, marking a significant move as the club prepares for its return to the Premier League. The transfer, confirmed on June 18, 2025, sees all documents ready for Bijol to undergo a medical and sign his contract, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. The 26-year-old, valued between €18-25m by Transfermarkt, brings 90 Serie A appearances and experience as Slovenia’s captain during Euro 2024, where he earned a spot in the tournament’s best eleven.

This acquisition strengthens Leeds’ defensive line, which already includes four centre-backs, highlighting a strategic investment following their promotion. Bijol’s leadership and defensive stats—averaging 2.1 tackles and 4.8 clearances per game in Serie A—could prove vital in the Premier League’s competitive environment. However, his adaptation to the league’s pace remains untested, posing a potential risk.

The transfer aligns with Leeds’ history of bold signings post-promotion, reminiscent of Gordon Strachan’s arrival in 1989. Yet, with the €22m fee representing a significant portion of the club’s budget—amid a reported €60m loss in 2023-24—financial sustainability could be a concern, as noted in recent UEFA analyses.