Jaka Bijol has been speaking to Slovenian media following confirmation of his move to Leeds United from a hotel room, and explains why he has chosen to swap Udinese for Leeds.
The 26-year-old was confirmed by Leeds on Monday evening as signing a five-year contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2026. He is Leeds’ second signing of the summer window after Lukas Nmecha.
Italian media claim a deal is worth £18.75m, which would make Bijol the second-most-expensive transfer in Slovenian history. But English sources say a deal is only £15m, a bargain for a player of Bijol’s calibre.
Bijol now has a couple of weeks before things get going at Leeds, with the players due back on July 7. But having done interviews with Leeds’ media, the defender has now spoken to Slovenian outlet 24ur.com.
Slovenia v Bulgaria - International Friendly
Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images
Bijol explains decision to join Leeds United from Udinese
The move will see Bijol likely start for Leeds alongside Joe Rodon next season, with the Slovenian ace often playing on the left of Udinese’s central defence. Certainly, Struijk is now seen as somewhat flexible.
Adam Pope says Leeds may now be open to selling Struijk following the arrival of Bijol. Struijk, as well as Willy Gnonto, are seen as potential sales by Leeds if the club need to make profit in the eyes of PSR.
Bijol told 24ur: “Everyone has a desire to play at the highest level. I’ve always followed the English league and that has always been my desire. I have fulfilled my desire and I hope that the story will be successful.”
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
What Bijol is expecting as Leeds prepare to fight for survival
Even the most optimistic of Leeds fans will acknowledge that next season is going to be a real grind for the club. Finishing above the top three will be seen as a success, given the growing gap between leagues.
All three promoted sides have been relegated in the last two Premier League seasons. Alan Shearer thinks Leeds can buck that trend, but it will be a tall order for Leeds and plenty of work needs to be done.
Speaking on the difficulty of the Premier League, Bijol said: “Every game will be a new challenge. You can’t have a bad game, opponents will take advantage of every mistake. Every week will be interesting.”
Leeds begin their campaign on August 18, a Monday night fixture under the Elland Road lights. They play host to Angus Kinnear’s Everton, an intriguing fixture that many home supporters will feel they can win.