Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is looking for reinforcements at both ends of the pitch in the ongoing transfer window. However, he cannot afford to lose one key player who is attracting interest from Europe.
The Whites are keen to bring in some reinforcements in the winter transfer window. They are looking at options to bolster their backline and bring in at least one attacker.
However, funds are in short supply, and Farke has made it clear that he does not want to lose any of his key players in the squad to fund new signings in January.
Jack Harrison is expected to leave Leeds with Fiorentina closing in on a deal to sign him. However, the Italian club have their eyes on one more player at Elland Road, and he is far more important to the Whites than Harrison.
Fiorentina want Leeds defender Jaka Bijol, who is a key player for Daniel Farke
Bijol has been the biggest beneficiary of Farke’s decision to change his system and play three centre-backs in every game since the end of November.
He was struggling to get game time following his arrival in the summer. However, the change in system has brought the best out of the Slovenian defender.
| Defensive metric (per 90) | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 1.32 | 41 |
| Interceptions | 1.32 | 76 |
| Blocks | 1.05 | 28 |
| Clearances | 6.31 | 74 |
| Aerials won | 3.37 | 91 |
However, improved performances have also caught the attention of European clubs, and a few are considering poaching Bijol from Leeds in the winter transfer window.
According to Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Fiorentina have identified the Leeds centre-back as a potential target for this month.
They are on the cusp of signing Jack Harrison from Leeds. However, they want defensive reinforcements, and Bijol is one of the top names on their shortlist.
The Italian club would have to present a huge offer for Leeds even to consider selling the Slovenian centre-back in the ongoing transfer window.
Farke has to block any move for Bijol
Farke would prefer to bring in a centre-back, with suggestions that the Leeds boss is pushing to sign Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi.
The last thing the Leeds manager would want is to lose a top centre-back such as Bijol, and with little chance of replacing him with adequate quality.
Fiorentina have their eyes on him, but Farke is almost certain to block any attempt to poach away the defender in the winter transfer window.
Bijol is finally settling at Leeds and is unlikely to welcome a chance to return to Italy after just adapting to the Premier League’s intensity.
The 49ers must also back Farke and reject any offers for Bijol in January. His departure could drive a wedge between the manager and the hierarchy.
