Newcastle United join the race for ‘brilliant’ Leeds United transfer target, he’s a ‘top priority’
Adam Elliott
3 – 4 minutes
Leeds United could be set to miss out on Jaka Bijol as the centre-back remains an Udinese player currently.
Daniel Farke and Leeds United have two first-team centre-backs in the form of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, with Max Wober expected to depart and Ethan Ampadu more of a defensive midfielder.
We therefore outlined that Bijol should be a target for Leeds this summer prior to any reported interest. Now, Leeds are keen to land Bijol’s signature from Udinese to add competition at centre-back.
Recently it was reported that Bijol had given Leeds his word to join the club this summer but Leeds’ first bid for Bijol was rejected over the last few days.
READ MORE: Leeds United’s winners and losers if The 49ers agree £17m Jaka Bijol deal include Ethan Ampadu
Jaka Bijol of Udinese
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
Leeds and Udinese remain apart in their valuation of Bijol despite other reports stating Bijol will cost Leeds no more than £15.2 million
The giant Slovenian central defender has been with Udinese for the last three seasons but Bijol wants a fresh start this summer.
However, Leeds aren’t the only interested party in the race. Sacha Tavolieri of Sky Sports Switzerland has revealed that Leeds’ “top defensive priority” is also a target for Newcastle.
The Magpies have recently entered the race for the Slovenian’s signature, according to the report. Udinese are due to pay a percentage of the player’s upcoming sale to CSKA Moscow and are hoping to secure at least €20 million.
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Bijol has already agreed to move to England, but Newcastle’s interest could change his destination, according to Tavolieri. For Leeds, the 26-year-old is “considered fundamental internally.”
Bijol will have to switch shirt numbers to join Leeds. Of course, that is unlikely to be a determining factor in negotiations but Newcastle’s interest has thrown a spanner in the works.
READ MORE: How Daniel Farke’s Premier League starting XI could look if Leeds United complete dream transfer window
Monza v Udinese – Serie A
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Jaka Bijol’s brilliant displays alongside Marco Silvestri at Udinese
Marco Silvestri claimed Bijol’s brilliance for Udinese and their defensive unit was the foundation for his success during his time with the club.
Bijol’s aerial prowess is what Leeds are eyeing as having, with his ability to defend his box likely to be vital for a team looking to survive relegation to the Championship.
Leeds have Struijk who is excellent in the air, while Rodon also wins plenty of headers but lacks direction in terms of how he places his headers.
Bijol should be a threat at both ends of the pitch in that sense, which is why signing him would add an extra dimension to Leeds in both boxes.
A warrior of a centre-back, Bijol is the ideal type of defender for a team fighting to survive relegation.
Exclusive Interview with Leeds United Winger: A Love Letter to the Whites
In a candid and heartfelt conversation, a Leeds United winger opens up about his deep affection for the club and the circumstances that might lead him to consider leaving Elland Road next season. The player, known for his passion and dedication to the team, reveals that his love for Leeds United runs so deep that he would be willing to stay with the club even if it meant playing for free.
“I love Leeds United so much that I would stay with the club even if I wasn’t getting paid,” the winger confesses. “There’s something special about being a part of this team, and I feel a deep connection to the fans and the city. However, there’s one condition that could change everything: the recent signing by Leeds United.”
The winger’s words hint at a complex situation, where the arrival of a new player could potentially disrupt the team’s dynamics and impact his own role. “He was the main reason why I left my former club,” the winger reveals, referring to the new signing. “If he’s the one who comes in and changes everything, it might be time for me to consider moving on.”
This statement raises questions about the winger’s past experiences and the challenges he faced at his previous club. What drove him to leave, and how will the new signing’s presence affect his position in the team? While the winger doesn’t elaborate on the specifics, it’s clear that he’s been through a difficult time and is now thriving at Leeds United.
Despite the potential threat to his position, the winger’s love for the club remains unwavering. “I’ve found a home here, and I feel like I belong,” he says. “The fans, the players, the staff – everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I’d do anything to help this team succeed.”
As the season draws to a close, Leeds United fans will be eagerly watching the winger’s performances, hoping that he’ll continue to thrive and contribute to the team’s success. Will the recent signing prove to be a catalyst for change, or will the winger’s dedication and passion for the club keep him rooted at Elland Road? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, the winger’s words serve as a testament to the strong bond between the players and the fans. His love for Leeds United is genuine, and his commitment to the team is unwavering. As the transfer window approaches, one thing is certain: this Leeds United winger’s future will be closely watched, and his decision will have significant implications for the team’s dynamics.
The winger’s story is a reminder that football is about more than just the game – it’s about the people, the passion, and the sense of belonging. For this Leeds United winger, the club is more than just a team – it’s a family. And as he navigates the challenges ahead, he’ll do so with the same love and dedication that has defined his time at Elland Road.
