Leeds Exclusive: PGMOL Insider warns Jaka Bijol ‘behave yourself’ after £15m move — Football Insider 7/7/25

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Keith Hackett

Jaka Bijol will require time to adapt to the Premier League after joining Leeds United from Udinese this summer, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while the 26-year-old is a perfect fit for Daniel Farke’s side, fans have a right to be worried by the defender’s rashness.

Arriving on a £15million deal [Sky Sports], Bijol joins a stacked defensive unit of Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu, and Joe Rodon, but the backline will be important for the Whites’ battle against relegation.

In the Championship last season, Leeds only picked up more yellow cards than Middlesbrough, and were one of four teams not to receive a red card, and Farke will expect similar discipline from all new signings.

At 26 years of age, there is clearly no doubt over the centre-back’s talents on the pitch, but with 11 yellow cards and a sending off in Serie A last season, some question marks have been raised over his transition to the Premier League.

Jayden Bogle was the only player to pick up more cautions than the Slovenian international, being handed 12 yellows, and Hackett still believes that Bijol will be a great fit for the Whites next season.

As well as the defender, Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds are accelerating a move for Josh Sargent this summer, with Farke keen to make improvements across the pitch.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I think this player fits the Leeds United profile so well. I’m a referee, but I still like players who have a bit about them. Leeds have had Norman Hunter, Billy Bremner, and even Jack Charlton.

“He’s a terrific signing for Leeds and the Premier League. Watch this space. The atmosphere at Elland Road is remarkable, and I’m sure the fans are going to take to him.

“You’ll get the ‘oohs and ahs’ whenever he makes a tackle. It’s just about self-control for him. It’s probably more physical in England than it is in Italy, which isn’t underscoring the technical ability of their players.

“It’s a great signing for Leeds, so just behave yourself. What has he picked up the yellow cards for? If it’s dissent, that can be managed. If it’s for the way he challenges, that’s up to the referee.

“What can help is having a quiet word with that player, even while on the run with the referee. Don’t threaten initially, and sometimes use the captain to share understanding about the new player.”

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