🏟️ Leeds United vs. Everton: The Season Opener Looms Large
The countdown to Leeds United’s long-awaited return to the Premier League is well and truly on. With just 27 days remaining before they host Everton on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, preparations at Elland Road are intensifying. The buzz around the club is growing — yet while optimism exists after a productive transfer window, there’s a clear sense that Daniel Farke and the 49ers ownership group still have plenty of work ahead before the club is truly ready to compete at the top level again.
This opening fixture holds more weight than just a curtain-raiser. Leeds and Everton are two clubs who could find themselves in direct competition in the bottom half of the table, especially in the early months of the campaign. As such, the clash already feels like a mini six-pointer, even if it’s just the first game of the season. With Leeds facing a daunting run of fixtures in November and December, including meetings with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City, securing early points could prove crucial in building confidence and momentum.
🔁 Summer Transfers: Six In, More Needed
In terms of recruitment, Leeds have made steady progress. Six new faces have arrived in West Yorkshire, addressing key positions across the pitch. Among the most eye-catching acquisitions is Slovenian international centre-back Jaka Bijol, signed from Udinese for a reported €22 million (£18.8 million). His arrival has been heralded as a major coup for the club, especially given the persistent links over the past two months and the competition from other top-flight sides across Europe.
But while the additions so far offer a promising foundation, it’s clear the squad still has gaps — especially in depth and Premier League experience. Farke and the Leeds hierarchy are expected to remain active in the final weeks of the transfer window.
❌ Jaka Bijol: Suspended for the Opener
Leeds’ excitement over Bijol’s signing has been slightly tempered by the news that he will be suspended for the opening game against Everton. The ban stems from a controversial incident during his time representing Slovenia at the Euros, specifically a yellow-card accumulation that many assumed would not carry over to club competition. But as it turns out, the ban has been upheld, ruling him out of his anticipated debut.
Speaking to The Athletic, Bijol shared his frustration:
“Honestly, it’s really disappointing for me. Because I really thought it wouldn’t (carry over) — and it also wasn’t even a red card, I would say. It’s kind of crazy. I asked if we can do something about it, but it looks like I just have to accept it.”
He added:
“There’s still a lot of games left in the season. I’m sad to miss the first one, but there’s going to be a lot of them left.”
The disappointment is heightened by the fact that Bijol had spoken about his eagerness to face Everton and make a strong first impression in front of the home crowd. Instead, he’ll now target matchday two against Arsenal for his competitive debut.
🧩 Who Steps In? Rodon, Bornauw, or Struijk?
Bijol’s absence leaves Farke with a decision to make in central defence — and a big one at that. Thierno Barry, Everton’s powerful new striker, is a physical force who will demand careful attention, especially in aerial duels. Leeds need centre-backs who are dominant in the air and positionally sound.
Three options are in contention:
- Joe Rodon
Returning after a strong Championship campaign, Rodon brings composure and ball-playing ability. He’s a natural leader at the back and already has Premier League experience from his time at Tottenham.
- Pascal Struijk
One of Leeds’ longest-serving defenders, Struijk was a regular last season until injury struck. Tall, strong, and left-footed, he complements Rodon well and could bring balance to the backline.
- Sebastiaan Bornauw
Perhaps the most like-for-like replacement for Bijol, Bornauw is also a powerful presence in the air. Signed earlier this summer, the Belgian international could be preferred for this exact match-up — especially if Leeds expect a direct, physical approach from Sean Dyche’s Everton side.
Farke could opt for the Rodon–Struijk pairing, which proved effective in the Championship. However, Bornauw’s aerial numbers and physicality might just give him the edge for this particular encounter.
🚨 What Bijol Brings – And What Leeds Will Miss
At 6’4″, Jaka Bijol is one of the most physically dominant centre-backs in European football. He ranked among the top defenders in Serie A for aerial duels won, and his performance against England at the Euros — where he dealt with Harry Kane and company — turned heads.
His ability to not only win duels but to organize the defensive line and play out from the back makes him an ideal fit for Farke’s system. His absence for the opener removes what could be a key weapon against a typically robust Everton side.
Still, his Leeds career is only just beginning. The trip to Arsenal on matchday two and a clash with Newcastle United after that will give him a chance to properly introduce himself to the Premier League — and to the Elland Road faithful.
🔮 What’s Next?
Leeds will continue their pre-season preparations with several friendlies still to play, giving Farke more chances to fine-tune his squad and test defensive combinations in Bijol’s absence. Fans will be eager to see who steps up in the meantime and whether any additional reinforcements arrive before the window closes.
One thing is clear: the pressure is already on. But if Leeds can weather the storm early — and integrate Bijol and the other signings effectively — they’ll be well positioned to re-establish themselves in the top flight.