⚪ Jaka Bijol and the Harsh Reality of the Premier League: Why Leeds United Must Tread Carefully With Their £18.7m Man
When Jaka Bijol signed for Leeds United in the summer for a fee reported to be in the region of £18.7 million, few would have predicted that — just a few months later — the Slovenian international would be sitting on the fringes of the first team, openly voicing his frustration.
Heralded as a marquee signing under a new era of recruitment led by Adam Underwood, Bijol arrived at Elland Road with a solid reputation built from consistent performances in Serie A with Udinese and growing importance with the Slovenia national team.
But now, as the 2025/26 Premier League season edges towards its halfway mark, Bijol finds himself in a position no elite footballer ever wants to be in: fit, ambitious, and available — yet watching from the sidelines while others occupy the positions he believes he was brought in to own.
The question is no longer just about Bijol’s performances — it’s about his future at the club, the delicate management of the dressing room by Daniel Farke, and how Leeds United balance their short-term survival goals with long-term squad cohesion and player satisfaction.
📦 A Big Signing With Big Expectations
Let’s rewind.
The signing of Jaka Bijol in the summer transfer window was seen as a real statement of intent. Fresh off a solid season in Italy and viewed as a centre-back with the technical quality, defensive intelligence, and leadership traits to anchor a Premier League backline, Bijol was one of the standout arrivals.
In Slovenia, he was already a household name. For Udinese, he had played a crucial role, often deployed not only as a centre-back but also in a deep-lying midfield role due to his composure on the ball. At 6’3”, strong in the air, and comfortable in possession, Bijol fits the mould of a modern defender — someone capable of starting attacks as well as shutting them down.
The expectation, therefore, was clear: Bijol wasn’t coming in to compete for a spot — he was coming in to own one.
But football rarely follows scripts, especially at a club like Leeds United, who continue to wrestle with the unforgiving nature of life in the Premier League.
🧱 The Wall in His Way: Rodon & Struijk
While Bijol was arriving at Leeds with plenty of promise, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk were already building something of a fortress at the back.
Rodon, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, brought Premier League experience, tactical awareness, and a calmness under pressure that Farke clearly valued. His revival at Leeds — after years of struggling for game time at Spurs — has been one of the more understated success stories of the season.
Meanwhile, Struijk has rediscovered the form that once made him one of the most talked-about young defenders in English football. After a couple of rocky years, the Dutchman looks confident, composed, and — most crucially — reliable.
Together, the duo have formed a partnership based on balance: Rodon’s positional discipline and aerial strength complement Struijk’s mobility and timing. Their understanding of each other’s movements and Farke’s tactical demands have made it almost impossible for anyone — even a £18.7 million signing — to break into the side.
🎙️ Bijol Speaks Out
Now, with another international break approaching and Slovenia preparing for crucial Euro 2024 preparations, Bijol has gone public.
“I am certainly not happy with the current situation. There are always ups and downs. There are always slightly worse situations. You have to get over them as a footballer. I am sure that my opportunity will come at Leeds. I hope as soon as possible.”
The comments, made to Ekipa on October 6, are measured — but unmistakable in their message. He’s not content. He feels he has more to give. He wants minutes.
From a managerial standpoint, comments like these can go two ways. They can be seen as a healthy sign of ambition and competitiveness — or as an early sign of unrest, especially in a squad where several fringe players are likely feeling similarly overlooked.
🔄 The Tactical Dilemma: To Rotate or Not?
Daniel Farke finds himself in a classic conundrum — one that every manager faces when the starting XI is performing well, but the bench is full of talented, expensive, and hungry players.
Should he rotate? Should he risk disrupting the chemistry?
So far, Farke has chosen consistency, and it’s hard to argue with that logic. Leeds have been holding their own in the bottom half of the Premier League table. While not blowing teams away, they’ve become harder to break down, more disciplined, and less erratic than in seasons past.
But football is never static. A long season — especially one involving cup competitions, injuries, and form fluctuations — will inevitably require change. And it’s in this context that Bijol’s situation becomes more intriguing.
Could a poor run of form from Rodon or Struijk open the door? Could a switch to a back three give Bijol the entry point he needs? Or will Leeds look to loan him out in January to ensure he’s match-fit ahead of Euro 2024?
👥 Dressing Room Management: The Human Side
Fans often see football in terms of tactics, transfers, and results. But inside the dressing room, managing player psychology is just as important as managing formations.
A player like Bijol, coming off a successful stint in Italy and arriving as a marquee signing, expects trust and responsibility. When those are not given, confidence can dip, and relationships can strain.
Farke’s communication with Bijol — and with other sidelined players — will be key. If the German tactician can make Bijol feel valued, even without immediate game time, he might retain a motivated squad member ready to step in when needed. But if the silence continues and frustration festers, January could see the defender looking for an escape route.
🔮 What Next for Bijol?
From the outside looking in, there are several paths this story could take:
- Bijol breaks into the starting XI
Whether due to form, injury, or tactical tweaks, Bijol eventually earns his place and justifies his price tag. His patience pays off, and Leeds reap the benefits of squad depth. - January loan or permanent move
With Euro 2024 looming, Bijol pushes for a temporary switch to get minutes elsewhere. Clubs in Germany, Italy, or even the top tier of Spain could offer him that platform. - Continued bench role until summer
Farke sticks with his preferred pairing, and Bijol plays the long game. This would require serious mental resilience — and might not be sustainable if frustration builds.
Whichever route it takes, Leeds must be proactive, not reactive. Keeping a £18.7 million player discontented on the bench serves no one — not the club, not the player, and certainly not their long-term ambitions.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Survival at What Cost?
Leeds United are right to prioritise Premier League survival. Relegation again would be catastrophic — financially, emotionally, and strategically. Farke, therefore, is justified in sticking with what works.
But that doesn’t mean Bijol should be ignored.
Top-level clubs win by planning ahead, by managing assets well, and by keeping their players hungry and happy. Bijol might not be the present of Leeds’ defence — but he could very well be the future.
To lose him in January, or to let his confidence erode on the bench, would be a blow not just to him — but to the club’s vision of building something sustainable at Elland Road.
Leeds may be fighting to stay up — but they mustn’t forget the bigger picture. And right now, Jaka Bijol is a big part of it.