Liverpool are planning to sign Leeds United centre-back Jaka Bijol as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate. Transfers.
Bijol joined Elland Road from Serie A club Udinese last summer and has been a revelation in the Premier League with renowned performances for Daniel Farke’s side.
Their rise from the relegation zone to 15th has been down to resolute defending, which has left opponents with fewer clear-cut opportunities, with Bijol playing a big role. He started and finished the first legs against Chelsea and Manchester United, restricting both teams to a total of four shots on target.
The 27-year-old always seems to seize the opportunity in the biggest games, starting with his powerful header in the 3-1 win against Chelsea in December, followed by impressive performances against Liverpool and Manchester United, where he won eight games each as Leeds secured a point in those matches.
These impressive displays have not gone unnoticed, with Fichajes reporting that defending Premier League champions Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing Bijol next summer.
Following uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s contractual situation at Anfield, the Reds are looking for an experienced centre-back to potentially replace him and have earmarked the Slovenian for that role.
Although his market value is £15 million, his importance to the team in their relegation battle would make it difficult to sanction his departure, according to the report. Liverpool will therefore have to make a concrete offer to change their position.
It was Liverpool
Bijol is enjoying an impressive debut Premier League season, showing solid defensive qualities both on and off the ball.
The 6ft 3in star remains one of the few centre-backs in the league to never be dispossessed during build-up, along with a 100% dribbling success rate.
He is also difficult to dribble past, with a duel success rate of 59.8% (61 matches), while his three dribbles past in 27 games demonstrate his reliability against attackers.
The Slovenian international is also strong in the air and could provide Arne Slot with a full defensive skillset after winning 58.7% of his contested aerial matches this season.
While his adaptability in a possession-based team like Liverpool may be a concern, there is no doubting his defensive compatibility as his stats this season place him high in clearances (77), interceptions (18), recoveries (39) and tackles (15).
With Leeds keen to keep Bijol, it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool will make a concrete offer in an attempt to convince the Yorkshire outfit to sell their key man.
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