Jaka Bijol - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Losing starting role on defense Bijol hasn't started in any of Leeds' last three league matches.

Impact Bijol started the Whites' first two games of the 2026/27 season, but he hasn't come off the bench in the last two. Leeds United are undefeated through five EPL matches so far, so Bijol is likely to remain in a bench role based on how good the team has been playing lately.

SEPTEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Four clearances before halftime exit Bijol recorded four clearances and one interception in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Brentford.

Impact Bijol started in Leeds' back three before being replaced at halftime as manager Daniel Farke altered his system with Leeds trailing 1-0, registering four clearances and one interception in 45 minutes as part of a defensive structure that was consistently tested by Brentford's dominant first-half performance. He was part of a Leeds defense that conceded Kevin Schade's 41st minute opener but had also limited Brentford to few other clear-cut chances across the opening period. Bijol has now started both of Leeds' opening Premier League matches and faces competition for a starting berth as the coach continues to balance defensive solidity with second-half tactical flexibility.

AUGUST 31 • ROTOWIRE

Two shots in clean sheet win Bijol recorded two shots (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Nottingham Forest.

Impact Bijol helped his side to a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest as the defender and his teammates have their first clean sheet of the season. The defender started 21 games last season and has come back into the starting lineup, where he played the full 90 minutes. He took two shots in the game, something he did four times last season.

AUGUST 22 • ROTOWIRE

Back available for friendly Bijol (knock) is back available for Saturday's friendly against RB Leipzig, the club posted.

Impact Bijol had missed the earlier friendly against Wrexham with a knee knock, one of several notable absences for Leeds during the club's trip to the United States. His return now confirms that setback has cleared up, positioning him to bring his physical presence and aerial strength back to the backline as Leeds United continues its preseason preparations.

AUGUST 8 • ROTOWIRE

Missing with knee knock Bijol (knock) was absent for Leeds' preseason friendly against Wrexham after picking up a knock to his knee, according to Leeds Live.

Impact Bijol's absence is one of several notable ones for Leeds in the United States, joining Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sebastiaan Bornauw on the sidelines. The defender is known for his physical presence and aerial strength at the back, qualities Leeds will want available once the issue clears up. No further details on the severity of the knock have been disclosed, and he's expected to be assessed further as preseason continues.

JULY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps clean sheet Sunday Bijol kept a clean sheet and had 12 clearances in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Brighton.

Impact Bijol kept his fifth clean sheet of the season Sunday, four of which have come in his last eight starts. He was very active versus Brighton as he recorded 12 clearances -- his sixth match this season with double-digit clearances -- and blocked two shots on the defensive end. He'll look to finish the season strong Sunday at West Ham.

MAY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Assists in win over Burnley Bijol assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Friday's 3-1 victory against Burnley.

Impact Bijol set up the opening goal of Friday's match as he assisted Anton Stach's goal in the 8th minute. It marked his third goal contribution of the season and his first since Dec. 20. He played well on the defensive end as well, recording five clearances and one blocked shot in his full 90 minutes of action.

MAY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Starting vs. Burnley Bijol (hip) is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Burnley.

Impact Bijol needed to pass a late fitness test to determine his availability, and the defender will not only be available but will also move straight into his regular place in the XI. This will be Bijol's ninth straight start across all competitions.

MAY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Late call against Burnley Bijol (hip) was dealing with hip flexor problems following the FA Cup semifinal and is a doubt for Friday's clash against Burnley, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Bijol was deali...

Impact Bijol's potential absence compounds an already difficult situation for Leeds United at the back, with Gabriel Gudmundsson already confirmed out for Friday's fixture. Manager Daniel Farke expressed hope of having him available but stopped short of providing any guarantee ahead of the match. Sebastiaan Bornauw could be in line for minutes should Bijol be unable to go, unless Daniel Farke opts to shift back to a four-man defensive line. His availability will be determined following further assessment before Friday's clash against Burnley.

APRIL 29 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against United Bijol (back) is in the starting XI for Monday's match against Manchester United.

Impact Bijol suffered an injury and was not training earlier this week, but is now fit enough to play, finding the starting XI immediately. With 14 starts in 18 appearances this season, he will likely continue to eye a starting role, recording three clean sheets this season.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up injury, not training Bijol is doubtful for Monday's match against Manchester United due to a back problem, according to manager Daniel Farke. "A few more question marks. Jaka is currently struggling wi...

Impact Bijol is going to be a late call for the club's next contest, as the defender suffered a back injury that has prevented him from training. That said, his chances of playing seem to be slim, as it was mentioned that if the game were today, there would be no chance he would feature. He is a starting defender when fit, so even if he is on the bench to start, this is a loss, especially with Joe Rodon (foot) already out. If both are to be out, the club would be in a dire spot, either giving Sam Byram his first start of the season or needing to shift some players around to make it work, potentially even making a change of formation down to only two central defenders.

APRIL 9 • ROTOWIRE

Chelsea player ratings vs Leeds: The Blues blow it! Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro's magic undone by defensive disasterclass as Liam Rosenior finally drops points

Chelsea failed to win a Premier League match under Liam Rosenior for the first time as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Leeds United on Tuesd...

FEBRUARY 10 • goal

Chelsea player ratings vs Leeds: The Blues blow it! Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro's magic undone by defensive disasterclass as Liam Rosenior finally drops points

Available off bench Bijol (hamstring) is on the bench for Friday's game against Nottingham Forest.

Impact Bijol returned to training earlier in the week, and the medical staff has deemed him healthy enough to make the bench. Eventually, Bijol should return to the lineup and slot at center-back, presumably over James Justin.

FEBRUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Back in team training Bijol (hamstring) returned to team training Wednesday and will need to be re-evaluated to see how his body reacts, said coach Daniel Farke in the press conference. "Jaka, since tod...

Impact Bijol returned to team training Wednesday after missing the last three matches with a hamstring injury. He will be re-evaluated to see how his body reacts in order to determine when he will be available again. The defender is an important presence at the back, having started each of the nine matches prior to his injury.

FEBRUARY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Hopes to return after Forest game Bijol (hamstring) is eyeing a potential return after their match against Nottingham Forest on Feb. 6, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Jaka will definitely also miss the Arsena...

Impact Bijol is still not an option, but has received some positive news, as the defender is progressing in rehabilitation. This leaves the defender eyeing a return after their Nottingham Forest match on Feb. 6, potentially an option to face Chelsea on Feb. 10. This would mean a return of a starting defender, something the club will hope comes sooner rather than later.

JANUARY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Facing decent absence Bijol (hamstring) is out for the next three to five weeks due to his injury, but is planning to train in the next two to three weeks, according to manager Daniel Farke, per Kyle Ne...

Impact Bijol was dealt a hamstring injury over the weekend and has finally received his timeline, as the defender is out for the next three to five weeks as he heals. Luckily, it appears he is already on the mend, with a plan to train in around two weeks. The hope will be that he can return by the end of February, potentially missing less time than expected, depending on his training.

JANUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with hamstring sprain Bijol is dealing with a hamstring sprain and is likely to miss some time to recover, according to Isaac Johnson from Leeds Live.

Impact Bijol is not available for Saturday's clash against the Spurs after suffering a hamstring sprain that will likely require some time to heal. This is a massive blow for Leeds United since he is an undisputed starter in the backline when fit and his absence forces a change, with Jayden Bogle expected to get a larger role in defense until he returns.

JANUARY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Season high four interceptions Bijol had one tackle (zero won), eight clearances and four interceptions in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Impact Bijol played a strong defensive game, leading the team with eight clearances and a season-high four interceptions, while also contributing two blocks and one tackle. Over his last seven games, the defender has recorded nine tackles with at least one in each match except one, 12 interceptions with at least one in every game but one and 41 clearances with a minimum of three in each outing.

JANUARY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Records first league assist Bijol assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-1 win versus Crystal Palace.

Impact Bijol recorded his first assist of the season from just his second chance created after eight appearances, flicking on a long throw to set up Dominic Calvert-Lewin for his second goal. Defensively, he added one tackle, two interceptions and four clearances, bringing his totals to 12 tackles, nine interceptions and 39 clearances.

DECEMBER 21, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores header against Chelsea Bijol scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-1 win versus Chelsea.

Impact Bijol opened the scoring against Chelsea on Wednesday with a powerful header from an Anton Stach corner, marking his first goal since joining from Udinese this summer. He also delivered a strong defensive performance, recording nine clearances and a season-high three tackles after coming off the bench in his previous two matches. The center-back has totaled 27 clearances and eight tackles in five appearances this season.

DECEMBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Available once more Bijol is available for Saturday's trip to Arsenal after serving a one-match ban.

Impact Bijol was suspended due to a ban that carried over from Serie A and served that during a 1-0 win over Everton. The defender should compete for a starting job when he's fully fit, likely sending Pascal Struijk to the bench. Bijol made 34 starts as a key part of Udinese's backline last season.

AUGUST 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended for opener Bijol will have his suspension from the season finale with Udinese carry over from last season, and is suspended for the season opener against Everton on August 18, according to Ky...

Impact Bijol has received some unfortunate news this week, as he will now spend the season opener sidelined due to a suspension. He saw two yellow cards in his season finale in Serie A last campaign and will now have to carry out the ban in the Premier League after his transfer, leaving him unavailable to face Everton. He is expected to be a starter, so this will force a change while he misses time, with Pascal Struijk as a likely replacement in the middle of the defense. He should then return and be an option when facing Arsenal on August 23.

JULY 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Leeds United new boy Jaka Bijol on the Premier League, a busy summer, and the Tour de France Leeds United's latest defensive recruit tells The Athletic why his love of cycling sometimes leaves team-mates perplexed

JULY 22, 2025 • NYTIMES.COM

Leeds transfer news: Jaka Bijol signs for Whites from Udinese - have your say Leeds transfer news: Jaka Bijol signs for Whites from Udinese - have your say

JUNE 23, 2025 • BBC.CO.UK

Signs with Leeds Bijol has completed a transfer to Leeds from Udinese, according to his new club.

Impact Bijol is seeing a change of scenery this offseason as he departs Italy for England, having signed a deal with Leeds until 2030. This is a great signing for the club as he is a quality defender who has experience, starting in all 34 of his appearances last season while also playing in Euro 2024. He should work into a decent role with the club and will be expected to earn solid time on the field in his first season, likely working into a starting role.

JUNE 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Chelsea player ratings vs Leeds: The Blues blow it! Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro's magic undone by defensive disasterclass as Liam Rosenior finally drops points