Leeds United have made a solid start to the Premier League season, but murmurs about certain players’ futures are circulating ahead of the winter window.
Lukas Nmecha has yet to sign a new contract, and the club are keen to sell him in January rather than watching him run down his current deal and leave on a free transfer next summer.
There are also question marks around Sean Longstaff’s future after playing just 19 minutes of Premier League football this season, and a move in January is not out of the cards.
However, there is growing concern that one of their key players from last season could feel unsettled after losing his place this term.
Read More: £15m Leeds star faces brutal Elland Road reality after Man Utd draw
Leeds decide on Jaka Bijol’s future at Elland Road
The Slovenian centre-back was a defensive lynchpin for Leeds last season and one of the most important players in Farke’s squad.
However, the arrival of Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi has pushed him down the pecking order, and he has made just two Premier League starts this season.
Farke’s insistence on playing James Justin in the back three has also limited Bijol’s opportunities.
Some suggest the defender may not want to warm the bench for too long if things don’t change soon, but according to Football Insider, Leeds aren’t concerned.
The Whites are certain about Bijol’s quality and his long-term future at Elland Road. They expect him to make a strong impact on Leeds’ final position this season.
Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast: “I don’t think there are any major doubts about Jaka Bijol’s future at Leeds United.
“Bijol was outstanding last season in his debut campaign for Leeds, become a big fan’s favourite as well. He’s just obviously found it more difficult this season.
“The summer signings Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi have both hit the ground running for Leeds and have now become two of the first names on the teamsheet.
“Bijol has found first-team opportunities limited so far this season, but he still has a role to play, and if there are any injuries or losses of form, he will come straight into the side.”
Read More: Farke under pressure as £15m Leeds star’s frustration threatens to boil over
Farke has to find a space for Jaka Bijol
Jaka Bijol is too good a defender to spend his time watching Leeds United’s matches from the bench. Daniel Farke has several centre-back options, but that shouldn’t mean sacrificing one of his most talented defenders simply because others have established themselves in the pecking order.
Tarik Muharemovic has made himself difficult to drop, while Nico Elvedi offers the natural right-footed option Leeds need in Joe Rodon’s absence. James Justin also brings tactical flexibility to the back three. But Bijol has the quality and experience to compete with any of them.
Farke must find a way to accommodate him, rather than let a valuable asset stagnate. Leeds need depth, but they also need their best players on the pitch. Bijol deserves a proper run.
