The day that Leeds United fans have been waiting for over the last fortnight has reportedly come upon us, as Jaka Bijol prepares to fly to England to thrash out a move to Elland Road.
A fortnight ago, Leeds were touted with an ambitious move to sign 6ft 4in giant Jaka Bijol from Udinese. Widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe in the air, Bijol seemed an ambitious target.
But as things have gone on, it is clear that the 63-time Slovenia international is now set to complete a move to Leeds. That is even after Gianluca Di Marzio said Leeds saw their first bid for Bijol turned down.
The two sides have now agreed an £18.75m fee for Bijol, which TMW says includes further add-ons on top. Udinese themselves have already struck a deal to sign Nicolo Bertola as a replacement from Spezia.
Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty ImagesJaka Bijol jets into England on Wednesday ahead of Leeds move
The report from TMW on Tuesday evening says that Wednesday is ‘Bijol’s day at Leeds’. The centre-back is set to fly to Leeds to complete a move from Udinese, with Bijol already agreeing on personal terms.
The stumbling block was a difference in price, which at one point was £6.5m. Leeds had offered £14.5m and Udinese wanted £21m. Compromise has been found, with Leeds set to pay £4.25 more than at first.
Bijol is now flying into England ahead of a move to Leeds and it is claimed that Leeds could announce his arrival today, on the same day that the Premier League fixtures for the 2025-26 season are announced.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesWhat next for Leeds United as Jaka Bijol set to agree move
Reports on Tuesday suggested that Max Aarons would be announced as the club’s third signing in a £12m deal from Bournemouth, after the additions of striker Lukas Nmecha and Udinese defender Bijol.
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More reliably, Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett took to X on Tuesday evening to reaffirm that Leeds had made a bid for Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra. The Whites remain intent on landing Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.
Leeds are focused on improving the spine of their side but attention will also have to be placed on left-sided additions. Junior Firpo is set for Real Betis, while Tottenham are set to keep Manor Solomon.