Leeds United officially confirmed the signing of Jaka Bijol from Udinese on Monday, with the centre-back putting pen to paper on a five-year deal. He will join up with Daniel Farke’s squad once pre-season gets underway next month and is expected to come straight in as a first-choice option at the back.
Of course, that means someone must be dropped and it’s no easy decision, given Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have both been largely excellent in two years under Farke. But with Leeds now a Premier League team, competition for places must be fierce and top-level cover is needed in case of injury or suspension.
Leeds are still relatively weak across a number of other positions and while many more reinforcements are expected between now and September 1, the YEP has drawn up what Farke’s strongest current team might look like. Take a look below to see where those improvements are needed.
7. CM: Ao Tanaka
The Japan international looks more technically ready for the step up than anyone at Leeds, having enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in England. Slight questions over his physicality arose towards the end of last season but he should only improve in that regard. | Michael Regan/Getty Images
8. RW: Daniel James
Earned another shot at Premier League football after registering an impressive 12 goals and nine assists last season, with his devastating pace a useful tool on the counter attack. Leeds are expected to bring in added depth and competition but for now, the spot if James' to lose. | Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
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9. CAM: Brenden Aaronson
One of many summer priorities for Leeds is added quality at No.10 but Farke clearly likes Aaronson, having made him first-choice in the role last season. His energy will be valued against superior opposition but more end product needed. | Getty Images
10. LW: Willy Gnonto
Spent much of the last two years competing with James on the right but undoubtedly at his best cutting in from the left. Still only 21 and with so much room to develop, next season could be his time to become the main man. | Getty Images
11. ST: Joel Piroe
Leeds signed free agent striker Lukas Nmecha earlier this month but Piroe keeps his spot as first-choice No.9 for now. Chances will be few and far between next season and so a clinical finisher is needed, and last season's Championship golden Boot winner is certainly that. | Getty Images