Good Morning. It's Friday 13th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road…
Bijol negotiations continue after first bid rejected
Leeds are preparing a second bid for Slovenian International defender Jaka Bijol after seeing their initial bid rejected. Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio broke the news, indicating that while the exact figure of Leeds’ initial offer remains undisclosed, both clubs are motivated to find common ground, and negotiations will continue today.
The current valuation gap sees Leeds estimating Bijol's worth between £12 million and £15 million, while Udinese are holding out for a fee closer to £18 million. Despite this discrepancy, optimism remains that a deal can be struck, and Bijol is expected to be the first of seven fresh faces to arrive at Elland Road this summer.
He boasts 63 caps for Slovenia, solidifying his status as a seasoned international player. He joined Udinese in 2022 for a modest fee of just over £3 million. Interestingly, reports from Italy at the time of his transfer suggest that his former club, CSKA Moscow, included a 10% sell-on clause in the deal, potentially influencing Udinese's valuation.
The urgency to bolster the central defence stems from the likely departure of Max Wober, who has been informed he is surplus to requirements, and the uncertainty surrounding James Debayo's contract situation. Without reinforcements, Leeds' options in central defence could become dangerously thin.
Further adding to the potential defensive reshuffle is ongoing speculation regarding Pascal Struijk's future. While reports suggest Leeds won't stand in his way should he choose to move on this summer, it remains to be seen whether promotion to a higher league alleviates his concerns and convinces him to stay put.
YEP dismiss Real Betis claim
The Yorkshire Evening Post has refuted recent media speculation originating from the continent linking Leeds United's young forward, Mateo Joseph, with a budget transfer to Real Betis. While the 21-year-old is attracting transfer interest for the second consecutive window, Leeds are reportedly in no rush to part ways with the Spanish U-21 international. According to Graham Smyth of the YEP, it would require a "serious offer" to tempt the Whites into selling.
Despite a somewhat underwhelming 2024/25 Championship season where he struggled for both game time and goals, his international form has been a stark contrast. He continues to impress for Spain's U-21 side, finding the back of the net again on Wednesday night in the European Under-21 Championships.
Leeds United remain convinced of Joseph's potential, viewing him as a valuable asset for the future. The YEP understands that the club is not actively looking to sell him at this time. Their stance is clear: only a truly compelling offer would prompt them to reconsider Joseph's place in the squad.
Firpo signs three year deal with Betis
Real Betis fans may have to put their Mateo Joseph dreams on hold, but they have reason to celebrate with the acquisition of Junior Firpo. The 29-year-old Dominican Republic international has officially signed a three-year deal with "Los Verdiblancos" as a free agent, bolstering their squad with a player who recently rediscovered his form.
Firpo arrives in Seville after a four-year spell with Leeds United, a period characterised by fluctuating performances. While his time at Elland Road was marked by injuries, mistakes, and moments of magic, his final season saw a significant resurgence under the management of Daniel Farke.
Despite the ups and downs, Firpo concluded his Leeds career on a high note. He managed to contribute four goals and ten assists, showcasing an attacking prowess that had often been dormant. According to statistics from "Whoscored.com," he was Leeds' second-best player last season, a testament to his improved performances and impact on the team.
Under Farke's guidance, Firpo was granted a more liberated role on the pitch, which unlocked previously unseen qualities. He displayed an impressive ability to create opportunities for his teammates, delivering pinpoint passes into dangerous areas. This newfound creativity and precision in front of goal left Leeds fans wondering where this version of Firpo had been hiding.
