New timeline emerges on Leeds United’s expected Jaka Bijol transfer | OneFootball

Jaka Bijol is set for a medical with Leeds United after they agreed a fee with Udinese for the centre-back.

Leeds United have agreed a deal for Udinese defender Jaka Bijol worth up to €22m, with the defender now set for a medical.

The Whites are looking to strengthen their squad following promotion to the Premier League, and bringing in a centre-back is one of the priorities for Daniel Farke and the recruitment team.

Bijol has emerged as the top target for that position, and Leeds have been in talks with the Serie A outfit over a deal, with their first offer for the player having been rejected.

Jaka Bijol set for Leeds United medical as €22m transfer moves nearer

It had been reported that Newcastle are ready to rival Leeds in pursuit of Bijol, and with the Magpies able to offer Champions League football, they would presumably be an attractive option.

However, it was claimed that Leeds were always ‘positive’ about securing Bijol, and journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that everything is now in place after a breakthrough following discussions between the two clubs.

“Leeds United agree deal to sign Jaka Bijol from Udinese, club to club deal done and here we go! Agreement for €22m transfer fee add-ons included and personal terms also in place for centre back to join. New defender set for medical soon.”

Jaka Bijol will be a shrewd signing for Leeds United

Leeds are back in the Premier League, and the recruitment team have been tasked with finding quality players that will improve the XI.

With Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and even Ethan Ampadu as centre-back options, Farke already has some good players at the back, but Bijol does look like an upgrade on paper, so you would expect him to be in the XI when the new season comes around in August.

At 26, he is approaching his peak years, and he has proven himself to be a top defender in Serie A over the past few years, so he is ready to make an instant impact.

Crucially, he will bring real physicality and strength to Leeds’ central defence, and that will be very important on their return to the top-flight.