Leeds have strengthened their defense as they get ready to play in the Premier League again by signing Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol from Udinese.
The 26-year-old player, who cost about £15 million, is Leeds’ second new signing this summer after they got German striker Lukas Nmecha for free.
Bijol has lots of experience playing for both his club teams and his country.
He has played 63 times for Slovenia and was important at Euro 2024, where Slovenia held England to a 0-0 draw before losing to Portugal on penalties in the last 16.
Bijol told the club’s website, “This might be the biggest day of my career so far, but I’m ready for it. It’s a big challenge for everyone — for me and for the club — and we are preparing together. I think we’re ready for the Premier League.”
🔥🧱 JB pic.twitter.com/hRPtpArn8s
— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 23, 2025
Before coming to Leeds, Bijol spent three seasons playing in Italy’s Serie A with Udinese, appearing 95 times. Before that, he played for four years at CSKA Moscow, where he also played in big European competitions like the Champions League and Europa League.
Leeds won the Championship title in May to earn promotion back to the Premier League after being away for two years. They finished with 100 points, the same as Burnley, but won on goal difference.