The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 17th June)

Good Morning. It's Tuesday 17th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road

Deal done for Bijol

Leeds have struck a deal with Udinese for the acquisition of Slovenian defender Jaka Bijol, fending off a last-ditch attempt from Newcastle United to hijack the deal. The agreement, said to be worth €22 million plus performance-related add-ons, marks a significant coup for the Whites as they look to bolster their back line ahead of their return to the top flight.

Bijol, a 26-year-old centre-back, has been a consistent presence in Udinese's backline, earning a reputation for his robust tackling, aerial prowess, and composure on the ball. His performances in Serie A have attracted attention from several clubs, but it is Leeds who have ultimately won the race for his signature.

While Newcastle United's late interest threatened to derail the deal, Leeds' groundwork and Bijol's apparent willingness to join the club proved decisive. The transfer represents a statement of intent from Leeds, signaling their ambition to compete at the higher end of the Premier League table.

The Slovenian international is expected to travel to Leeds within the next 24 hours to undergo a medical examination and finalize personal terms. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Bijol will then be officially unveiled as a Leeds United player, adding much-needed quality and experience to their defensive unit.

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Where does Bijol deal leave Joe Rodon

Leeds fans are buzzing about the arrival of Slovenian centre-back Jaka Bijol, but with every new signing comes a question: what does this mean for the existing players? In this case, the spotlight falls on Joe Rodon.

Rodon joined the Whites from Spurs a year ago, after an impressive season on-loan. He quickly established himself as a linchpin in the Leeds defense, racking up an impressive 51 appearances for club and country, totaling over 5000 minutes on the pitch. His performances have been consistently strong, showcasing his commitment, tackling prowess, and aerial dominance.

The arrival of Bijol raises question marks about Joe Rodon's future given both players are right sided central defenders. Leeds are forking out £18.7m for the Slovenian international, so we can expect him to be earmarked as an automatic starter.

Bijol currently plays as the central defensive pivot in Udinese's 3/5/2 formation. This may give fans an indication in how Leeds are going to line up next season! New York Times journalist Beren Cross recently insinuated that Daniel Farke will need to completely overhaul both tactics and formation if they are to survive the Premier League.

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Leeds emerge as favourites to land Ivory Coast shot-stopper

Leeds face competition from Newcastle United and Southampton for the signature of Ivory Coast international shot stopper Yahia Fofana. The 24yo is available for a surprisingly low fee of just £6 million, making him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking to bolster their goalkeeping options without breaking the bank.

Despite Angers' struggles in Ligue 1 last season, Fofana emerged as a standout performer. While his record of seven clean sheets in 33 league appearances and 51 goals conceded might not immediately scream "world-class," it's important to consider the context.

Fofana was undeniably Angers' best player, and his performances were instrumental in their ultimately successful fight to avoid relegation. He consistently demonstrated impressive reflexes, command of his area, and shot-stopping abilities, often bailing out a leaky defense.

He represents a significant investment opportunity and possesses the raw talent and potential to develop into a top-tier goalkeeper. With only twelve months remaining on his contract, Angers are willing to part ways with him for a relatively modest £6 million.

His price tag is widely considered a bargain in the current market, especially for a player with his upside, but is he Premier League ready? Whilst Angers defensive line may be as useful as a chocolate teapot, the English top flight is a massive step up from Ligue 1.

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Morning all

Two signings £20m spent, two internationals both with experience of football in the top tier of their leagues.

Lots of very exciting links, sadly Solomon looks like a no go, Frank wants to take a closer look preseason

 

Spurs will be a graveyard for Solomon, just like it was for Clarke and going to be for Gray.
Ramazani will come through, in fact I am not pi55ed off Solomon has chosen to stay at Spurs.

 

Morning all. I wont comment on signings as I know nothing about them but naturally hope they all turn out to be top drawer. Given Bisol had 15 yellows and a red last season Id say Rodon will be called on many times as his replacement

 

When Aski and I were debating the joys of goalkeeping stats recently, i noticed fofana's stats in ligue 1 as being exceptional.

Young but experienced.

Imagine there would be a stack of clubs after him and he's in the last year of contract. That would be a bargain price.

 

Come on Eire you obviously didn’t get the memo.

We’re supposed to slag off any new signings even though we don’t know much about them and haven’t seen them play yet

 

Bijol is right footed but two very important points:
1. He's happy either side as cb - i'd guess it's injury prone mr struijk who may be surplus/making way/sold
2. Most importantly. It's a bug bear of mine... all CBs should be happy playing either side FFS

 

Agreed. And our best CB partnership has been Rodon and Ampadu. Both right footed.

 

Exactly, I made the point before that I don’t believe every club in the country has a right footed/ left footed centre back pairing.

 

Wilder going to be sacked by Sheffield Utd, ruthless game we all love and support.

 

True, a reliable Italian Journo says he's omfortable with both feet.

 

Why should it matter if an Italian journo is comfortable with both feet we’re more interested in Bijol.

 

Rumour Bilou

Very valid point!!!

 

Not Joe Tiffano by any chance??

 

he's going to write more reliable articles if his dogs are comfortable in a nice pair of loafers

 

Struijk will make way for Bijol initially.

 

Fixtures out tomorrow 9am,we'll be at home first game as its the Leeds festival the weekend after and we never seem to be at home that weekend.
Who do we reckon?
I'm going Liverpool the Friday night match.

 

Fofana looks like a bargain. More likely to get first team play with us rather than NUFC and does he really want to go to the Champoionship?.

 

We’re home to Arsenal opening day according to the leaked document that has been called a fake by the authorities