Alarm Bells for Leeds as Fiorentina Move on Jaka Bijol After European Club Deal
Leeds United find themselves on alert amidst growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Jaka Bijol, the Slovenia international centre-back who has become a key defensive figure since arriving at Elland Road in the summer. Concerns have intensified after Italian side Fiorentina reportedly struck a deal to bring in Fabio Paratici as their new sporting director — a development that could have significant ramifications for Leeds’ hopes of retaining Bijol beyond the January transfer window. (Football Insider)
The 26-year-old was signed by Leeds from Udinese in June 2025 on a long-term contract, believed to cost north of £15 million and intended to bolster the club’s rearguard following promotion back to the Premier League. Since his arrival, Bijol has established himself as one of manager Daniel Farke’s most trusted starters, featuring in nine consecutive matches across competitions and winning praise for his aerial presence and ball-playing ability. (Football Insider)
However, Leeds now face an unexpected potential threat to their defensive stability. According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Fiorentina have shown a keen interest in signing Bijol, and the impending arrival of Paratici — a well-connected figure who previously targeted him during his time at Tottenham — has set off alarm bells among the Elland Road faithful and club hierarchy. Paratici isn’t expected to officially begin his role until after the transfer window closes, but his influence is seen as a real risk factor for Leeds considering the defender’s growing reputation. (Football Insider)
For Leeds supporters, the timing could hardly be worse. With the Whites embroiled in a battle to secure their Premier League status midway through the season, losing a linchpin in central defence might disrupt a fragile equilibrium. Bijol’s versatility — he can operate both as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder — makes him particularly valuable, and Daniel Farke has relied on his consistency to plug gaps across the back line. (Wikipedia)
Leeds aren’t taking the threat lightly. According to reports, the club are prepared to set a substantial price tag on Bijol to deter any potential suitors and solidify their negotiating position should formal bids arrive before the February 2 deadline. Despite their urgency in retaining key personnel, Leeds are acutely aware that top flight survival and long-term planning depend on keeping their core squad intact through this critical period. (Football Insider)
Whether Fiorentina’s interest will progress into a concrete offer remains to be seen. Serie A clubs have long admired the Slovenian for his performances both domestically and on the international stage — including at Euro 2024, where he featured prominently for his national side. European clubs’ interest was also evident before his transfer to Leeds, with several reportedly monitoring his progress during his time at Udinese. (flashscore.com)
Leeds’ predicament highlights the delicate balance promoted clubs must strike between building for the future and managing transfer window speculation. With the January market proving unpredictable and Leeds keen to avoid any mid-season disruption, how they respond to this emerging interest in Bijol could shape the remainder of their campaign. (Football Insider)
In summary: Leeds United are increasingly worried about the future of defender Jaka Bijol after Fiorentina’s pursuit, boosted by the imminent arrival of sporting director Fabio Paratici. The club must now weigh up retaining a key player crucial to their survival bid against potential bids from abroad — a dilemma that may define their transfer strategy before the window closes. (Football Insider)
