Serie A Side Still Looking At Leeds United Defender As An Option: Will That Be A Needed Move For Farke? | OneFootball

Reports from Italy suggest that Fiorentina have placed Leeds United defender Jaka Bijol on their transfer shortlist. They are frantically attempting to salvage their Serie A status.

Fiorentina’s Ridiculous Swoop for Leeds Star Jaka Bijol

According to a recent dispatch from Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the Florence-based club have identified the Slovenian centre-back as a potential reinforcement. They hope to strike a deal before the January window slams shut. The Italian side find themselves in a precarious position while battling against relegation.

With survival on the line, they have turned to former Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici to lead their fight for survival. Paratici recently became their new director of football. He now appears intent on raiding the Premier League for defensive solutions.

The club have already secured loan deals for Jack Harrison, Manor Solomon, and Marco Brescianini. However, the hierarchy believes further defensive additions are essential to preserve their top-flight status.

Leeds United supporters might view these claims with significant scepticism. Gazzetta clarifies that La Viola do not currently view Bijol as their primary option. The Italian report indicates that Fiorentina’s main focus remains on Brighton & Hove Albion defender Diego Coppola.

The clubs have reportedly intensified negotiations. The Premier League side seemingly remain open to sanctioning a loan move for the young Italian. So, Fiorentina view Bijol as an alternative, sitting further down the pecking order. They will only look for him if the move for Coppola collapses in the final days of the market.

Why Leeds Must Dismiss the Bijol Speculation?

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Jaka Bijol of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United at Amex Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

The suggestion that Leeds United would even consider the departure of Jaka Bijol midway through the season seems detached from reality. Leeds paid a significant €18m to bring the defender to Elland Road just last summer.

Since then, he has rapidly established himself as a linchpin in Daniel Farke’s backline. The 24-year-old’s physical presence and reading of the game have proved vital for the Whites this term. These qualities make him one of the first names on the team sheet.

Fiorentina would likely need to offer an astronomical sum to prize such a crucial asset away from West Yorkshire. Such a fee would sit far beyond the financial capabilities of a club fighting relegation. Daniel Farke will undoubtedly view the retention of his key defensive figures as non-negotiable.

Disrupting the squad’s core now could derail the club’s objectives for the rest of the season. As a result, unless Fiorentina produce a financial package that defies all logic, this rumour appears destined to remain nothing more than hopeful speculation. Leeds United hold all the cards here. They should firmly reject any advances for their Slovenian star.