Leeds United have completed the signing of Slovenia international defender Jaka Bijol from Italian club Udinese.
The 26-year-old centre-back, who has agreed a five-year deal, becomes the club’s second signing of the summer transfer window following the arrival of German forward Lukas Nmecha.
“This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here," Bijol said, speaking to LUTV.
“Maybe the biggest [challenge] one of my career so far, but I'm ready for it.
“I work for it and that's why I'm here, because it's a big challenge for everyone. It's a big challenge for me, for the club, and we're getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League."
Bijol becomes only the second Slovenian to play for Leeds after midfielder Zan Benedicic.
Bijol’s career so far
Born in Vuzenica, Slovenia, Bijol began his youth career at NK Dravograd before moving to NK Bravo’s academy in 2014.
He signed his first professional contract with Rudar Velenje in the summer of 2017, quickly establishing himself as a regular starter in a defensive midfield role during the 2017/18 season.
Bijol moved to CSKA Moscow in June 2018, but was loaned to German side Hannover 96 for the 2020/21 season.
He then signed a five-year contract with Serie A club Udinese, where he played a central defensive role and became a key figure in the Italian side’s backline.
Indeed, over the last three seasons, only four centre-backs across Europe's "big five" leagues have won a higher percentage of their aerial duels than the 69 per cent of Bijol - Virgil van Dijk, Nikola Milenkovic, Rasmus Nicolaisen and James Tarkowski.
Bijol has represented Slovenia at every youth level and made his senior international debut on 13 October 2018 in a UEFA Nations League match against Norway.
He was also a member of Slovenia’s 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024.