Leeds United have signed Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, but the 49ers are eyeing more deals.
Leeds United finally got a deal over the line for Jaka Bijol, with Leeds signing Bijol on a five-year contract this summer.
We suggested over a month ago that Leeds should look at signing Bijol from Udinese before the genuine links emerged between Bijol and Leeds.
Bijol’s first words for Leeds should have fans extremely excited by what’s to come for someone so physically combative and powerful as a warrior of a defender.
Jaka Bijol of Udinese Calcio gestures during the Serie A
Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images
Dodi Lukebakio should be Leeds’ big-money signing after Jaka Bijol
Bijol is an absolute monster in the air, which was on full display when Slovenia played England at the Euros last summer in 2024.
Udinese bid Bijol an emotional farewell although his red card for them will see Bijol miss Leeds vs Everton on matchday one. That said, Leeds need to keep the momentum going with further additions.
They need to continue making statement signings and nothing gets fans more excited than shiny new toys in a new-look attacking unit.
Dan James is predominantly a right-sided winger and Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani prefer the left flank. If Leeds look to retool their attack somewhat, including a different profile of wide attacker, then there is a La Liga ace who should be of interest.
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They need look no further than Dodi Lukebakio of Sevilla. The Belgian is a signing Victor Orta made back in 2023 and Leeds should be looking at Lukebakio this summer.
The versatile forward can operate as a right winger or occasionally as a striker. He has gone on to become one of the La Liga outfit’s best players and most potent attacking threats.
Not only does he have reliable output, but Lukebakio has the height, size, and athleticism to be a fantastic outlet for any team who need to relieve pressure in a relegation scrap.
The 27-year-old is in his prime years and would be an excellent addition out wide. He would be a more exciting addition than Bijol but having the same required impact on the team at the other end of the pitch.
Crucially, that is while also being of the required quality to make an impact via goals and assists as well. He is arguably Sevilla’s prized asset currently as well.
Sevilla FC v Real Betis Balompie - La Liga EA Sports
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Dodi Lukebakio’s profile and output is necessary for Leeds — here’s why
Lukebakio and Bijol are perfect for Leeds’ starting lineup in 2025/26 alongside, as we outlined months ago. Having strength and quality in both boxes is paramount.
Lukebakio works well in transition with his pace and power making him hard to stop his 6’2″ frame. However, he is more than that as he is often decisive in big moments with flair and quick thinking.
Season Appearances Goals Assists
2024/25 39 11 2
2023/24 27 5 1
Dodi Lukebakio’s recent form with Sevilla (all comps)
It’s not just consistent output for a mid-table team he gives Sevilla — with his 13 goal involvements last season — but he also brings something other wingers at Leeds lack in terms of his ability to hold the ball up and retain it under pressure.
That is due to the fact none of Leeds’ other wide profiles can look after the ball with their back to goal simply by being tall and powerful. His athleticism and sheer size is a huge part of Lukebakio’s game.
It’s important to have a balance of profiles in a squad and Lukebakio would bring something new to the side, as well as output and quality with his match-winning quality.
It’s almost certain that he would cost comfortably in excess of £20 million, if not beyond, which is why he should be next up for Leeds after securing Bijol long-term.