Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Udinese defender Jaka Bijol, because the Slovenian leaves Italy to signal for the Yorkshire membership on a five-year deal, setting again the newly promoted Premier League aspect of round €22 million.
Bijol has been dependable for Udinese since becoming a member of from Russian membership CSKA Moscow in 2022 however what precisely will the Slovenia worldwide convey to his new membership?
Bodily prowess may very well be key for Bijol within the Premier League
Bijol is 1.9 metres tall and his towering presence will supply his new aspect a serious benefit. We’ve seen a number of centre-backs stand out within the final Premier League season, with defenders like Dean Huijsen receiving press plaudits for his or her means to win duels – particularly given the elevated hazard of set-pieces in current campaigns.
MONZA, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Jaka Bijol of Udinese celebrates scoring his crew’s second purpose throughout the Serie A match between Monza and Udinese at U-Energy Stadium on December 09, 2024 in Monza, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
Based on , Bijol was within the 93rd percentile for aerial duels received per 90 minutes within the 2024-25 Serie A season, placing him amongst probably the most elite bodily performers within the league. His spectacular top mixed along with his energy and confidence make him a nightmare for any ahead.
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Moreover, the Slovenian was within the 97th percentile for clearances (5.00 per 90 minutes) and the 89th percentile for interceptions (1.24 per 90 minutes). Defensively safe, along with his aforementioned physicality, Bijol seems like an ideal match for the bodily competitiveness of the Premier League.
While he usually finds himself on the receiving finish of the referee’s playing cards, choosing up 11 yellows and one crimson in 34 league video games in 24-25, this solely goes to underline his need and eagerness to win the ball again for his membership. This starvation will show a significant asset for Leeds United as they give the impression of being set for a troublesome return to England’s prime flight.
Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic (C) in motion with Udinese’s Jaka Bijol (L) and Enzo Ebosse throughout the Italian Serie A soccer match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC, in Udine, Italy, 02 November 2024. EPA-EFE/Ettore Griffoni
Bijol’s humble beginnings
After coming by the youth ranks at Slovenian aspect NK Bravo, Bijol spent a season with Rudar Velenje earlier than being snapped up by CSKA Moscow .
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In 2018, the defender turned the youngest Bravo academy graduate to play within the Champions League, when he began in a 2-2 draw between CSKA and Viktoria Plzen. He rapidly emerged as a key performed for the Russian aspect, taking part in 61 matches in all competitions throughout his first two seasons.
Nevertheless, in 2020-21, Bijol spent a 12 months in 2. Bundesliga with Hannover earlier than finishing a change to Udinese the next 12 months for a price of round €4 million.
Since his arrival in Italy, the centre-back has performed 90 instances in Italy’s home league, scoring 4 targets – a testomony to his aerial menace.
