Jaka Bijol will be settling into life at Leeds United after his £15m transfer was confirmed almost four weeks ago.
Bijol will be gearing up for the start of the Premier League, but pre-season will give fans a real insight into the Slovenian.
It’s been made clear by the defender himself that Bijol loves the English weather, and everything is working out so far for Daniel Farke’s second summer signing.
His arrival was met with excitement as Bijol comes with leadership skills which will make Leeds a stronger team, whilst not even mentioning his incredible defensive skills.
But despite everything going his way so far at Leeds, Bijol has hit his first stumbling block at Elland Road.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty ImagesLeeds United’s Jaka Bijol will be fuming at unexpected news
The 26-year-old is reaching the prime of his career, and that spells trouble for other players in the squad.
Pascal Struijk could leave after Bijol’s signing, with the defender no doubt higher in the pecking order for Farke, as the Dutchman will have to impress before the season starts.
However, despite him pretty much guaranteed a spot in one of Farke’s centre-back positions, it won’t be the dream start that Bijol was expecting.
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It was previously claimed that Bijol could miss the Everton opener due to him being sent off in his last Serie A game.
The Slovenian might have been unaware of this possibility, but now he will know all about it, as Graham Smyth has confirmed his suspension will carry over to Farke’s opening fixture against the Toffees at Elland Road.
Leeds United have been informed that Jaka Bijol is suspended for the Premier League opener v Everton. Sent off in Serie A (two yellows) and the one-game suspension carries over with him.#lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) July 17, 2025
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Bijol’s promise won’t come true at Leeds after announcement
It’s a shame that these rules are in place, as the defender would’ve no doubt loved to show the Leeds faithful what he’s all about on the opening game.
Instead, an away trip to Arsenal looks to be where his Premier League debut will take place, and he can show glimpses of his time at Udinese.
But what will bring the 26-year-old more disappointment is the fact that Bijol wanted to be ‘ready’ for the first game, and now will know he can’t achieve this.
It’s frustrating for Bijol, but he will know many opportunities await him in the top flight, and he will just have to wait that little bit longer before he can don the Leeds strip in the Premier League.