Leeds United confirmed their second signing of the summer, announcing the arrival of defender Jaka Bijol. The deal for the 26-year old delayed a bit.
There were reports that Bijol had a wedding, which pushed back the date of the deal. Negotiations between Leeds and the Italian club also took some time before a deal could be agreed. Bijol becomes a solid addition to a backline that conceded just 30 goals last season. A core of Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol will surely be a formidable cast for the Premier League.
Leeds are planning on adding more signings to the team, with reports that a new center forward could be added. Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic seems to be the main target now.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United sold these players to?
Potential problem for Leeds United signing
Credit: Imago Images
Bijol will be ready to go after passing his medical. He is expected to be part of the club’s pre season which will kick off in July. The 26-year old revealed that he is eager to wear the colours of the club.
Unfortunately, the defender might have to sit out the first Premier League game of next season. In Udinese’s last game of the Serie A campaign last season, Bijol picked up two yellow cards, and was given his marching orders in the first half. He will have to serve a one-match suspension due to the cards he picked up.
This would mean the suspension would carry over into the Premier League, and the Slovenian international will miss the first game against Everton.
Will Jaka Bijol be banned for the season opener?
When it comes to suspensions being carried out across leagues, the decision may lie with the Football Association. Severe infringements like red cards from violent conduct, or suspensions for unsportsmanlike issues may definitely be carried over. But the FA may decide to allow minor infringements like one-match bans from two yellow cards.
The decision will ultimately lie in the hands of the governing bodies.
