Who is Jaka Bijol: A guide to Leeds United’s latest signing | OneFootball

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Udinese defender Jaka Bijol, as the Slovenian leaves Italy to sign for the Yorkshire club on a five-year deal, setting back the newly promoted Premier League side a reported transfer fee of around €22 million.

Bijol has been reliable for Udinese since joining from Russian club CSKA Moscow in 2022 but what exactly will the Slovenia international bring to his new club?

Physical prowess could be key for Bijol in the Premier League

Bijol is 1.9 metres tall and his towering presence will offer his new side a major advantage. We’ve seen several centre-backs stand out in the last Premier League season, with defenders like Dean Huijsen receiving press plaudits for their ability to win duels – especially given the increased danger of set-pieces in recent campaigns.

MONZA, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Jaka Bijol of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Monza and Udinese at U-Power Stadium on December 09, 2024 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to FootyStats, Bijol was in the 93rd percentile for aerial duels won per 90 minutes in the 2024-25 Serie A season, putting him amongst the most elite physical performers in the league. His impressive height combined with his strength and confidence make him a nightmare for any forward.

Furthermore, the Slovenian was in the 97th percentile for clearances (5.00 per 90 minutes) and the 89th percentile for interceptions (1.24 per 90 minutes). Defensively secure, in addition to his aforementioned physicality, Bijol looks like a perfect fit for the physical competitiveness of the Premier League.

Whilst he often finds himself on the receiving end of the referee’s cards, picking up 11 yellows and one red in 34 league games in 24-25, this only goes to underline his desire and eagerness to win the ball back for his club. This hunger will prove a vital asset for Leeds United as they look set for a tough return to England’s top flight.

Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic (C) in action with Udinese’s Jaka Bijol (L) and Enzo Ebosse during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC, in Udine, Italy, 02 November 2024. EPA-EFE/Ettore Griffoni

Bijol’s humble beginnings

After coming through the youth ranks at Slovenian side NK Bravo, Bijol spent a season with Rudar Velenje before being snapped up by CSKA Moscow .

In 2018, the defender became the youngest Bravo academy graduate to play in the Champions League, when he started in a 2-2 draw between CSKA and Viktoria Plzen. He quickly emerged as a key played for the Russian side, playing 61 matches in all competitions across his first two seasons.

However, in 2020-21, Bijol spent a year in 2. Bundesliga with Hannover before completing a switch to Udinese the following year for a fee of around €4 million.

Since his arrival in Italy, the centre-back has played 90 times in Italy’s domestic league, scoring four goals – a testament to his aerial threat.