Leeds bolster defence with Bijol signing

Leeds United have announced the signing of Jaka Bijol from Udinese.

The Slovenia centre-back has joined the newly promoted team for a reported £15m fee and has signed a five-year deal to keep him at Elland Road until 2030.

Bijol is Leeds’ second arrival this transfer window, following Felix Nmecha, who joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.

Bijol spent three seasons with Udinese and made 34 appearances in Serie A for them last term.

“This is a big day for me, for my family, and I’m happy to be here,” said Bijol. “Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.

“I work for it, and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together.

Signed, sealed, delivered! pic.twitter.com/4NnRyEEBBO

— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 23, 2025

“I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.

“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”

Bijol helped Udinese keep eight clean sheets in Serie A last season, while only Oumar Solet (19) made more blocks than his 18.

No player in the team made more interceptions (38) than him, while he made 182 clearances, at least 103 more than second-place Thomas Kristensen (79).

He also scored two goals in all competitions in 2024-25, taking his tally to four across his three seasons with the club.