US-owned Leeds signs Slovenia defender Jaka Bijol for return to Premier League
LONDON (AP) — Newly promoted Premier League club Leeds added Slovenia standout Jaka Bijol to its defense ahead of the second-tier champion's return to the top level.
Leeds said the 26-year-old center back signed a five-year deal. The transfer fee paid to Udinese was reportedly around 15 million pounds ($20 million).
Bijol has played 63 times for Slovenia, including all four games at the 2024 European Championship.
He helped shut out the England attack led by Harry Kane and Portugal's attack led by Cristiano Ronaldo in 0-0 draws. Slovenia was eliminated by Portugal in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout.
Slovenia starts a 2026 World Cup qualifying group in September in a competitive group with Switzerland, Sweden and Kosovo.
Leeds, whose United States ownership group is led by 49ers Enterprises, starts its Premier League season hosting Everton on Aug. 18.
Benítez to join Palace
FA Cup winner Crystal Palace said Argentina goalkeeper Walter Benítez will join next week when his contract with Dutch champion PSV Eindhoven expires.
The 32-year-old Benítez, who will compete for a place with England squad member Dean Henderson, is giving up another Champions League campaign with PSV — which reached the round of 16 this season — for Europa League play with Palace.
Palace's entry into the Europa League must be confirmed this month by UEFA because of complications with rules regarding owners investing in different clubs entering the same competition.
On Monday, Palace said the 43% stake held by American businessman John Textor — who also owns Europa League entrant Lyon — is being sold to Woody Johnson, the New York Jets owner who was the U.S. ambassador to Britain during the first Trump administration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
30 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
Viktor Gyökeres decides to leave Sporting this summer; informs the club
Sensational striker Viktor Gyökeres is in the media since the start of the window as the striker is been performing amazingly well in last 2 seasons and there are clubs behind him. Earlier, it was expected that the striker doesn't want to leave but now he has communicated his decision that Viktor doesn't want to stay at Sporting and will look for other options. Arsenal and Man United are interested, but the striker prefers Champions League football and thus Arsenal's move is most likely to happen. Sensational striker Viktor Gyökeres has been one of the hottest names in the transfer market since the window opened, thanks to his outstanding performances over the past two seasons with Sporting CP. The Swedish forward has consistently delivered in front of goal, attracting serious interest from top European clubs. Advertisement Initially, it appeared that Gyökeres was content at Sporting and had no intention of moving. However, in a recent development, the striker has now communicated his decision to leave the Portuguese side in search of a new challenge. Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United are both keeping close tabs on the 26-year-old, but sources close to the player suggest that Champions League football is a priority—making Arsenal the likely frontrunner in the race.
Business Upturn
30 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
As these two players eye new chapters Man United and Chelsea could go for a swap deal
Manchester United and Chelsea are in need of reinforcements for the next season. By Ravi Kumar Jha Published on June 24, 2025, 18:46 IST Manchester United and Chelsea are in need of reinforcements for the next season. United are offloading many players and one of which is Alejandro Garnacho. The player however, wants to stay at England and doesn't want to play some other leagues. Chelsea is reportedly interested in signing the star. But Chelsea also has Nkunku who is aboutManchester United and Chelsea are in need of reinforcements for the next season. United are offloading many players and one of which is Alejandro Garnacho. With the 2025/26 season approaching, both Manchester United and Chelsea are preparing for significant squad overhauls. United, under pressure to rebuild after another underwhelming campaign, are set to offload several players — and surprisingly, one of them could be star winger Alejandro Garnacho. While Garnacho's departure would raise eyebrows among United fans, reports suggest the Argentine youngster is determined to continue his career in England. This has opened the door for Chelsea, who are said to be monitoring the situation closely. Interestingly, Chelsea are also facing a key departure of their own. Christopher Nkunku, who has struggled with injuries and form, is reportedly close to leaving Stamford Bridge. This has sparked speculation about a potential swap deal between the two Premier League giants — Garnacho to Chelsea, Nkunku to United. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Ravi kumar jha is an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia and Mass Communication. A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication and he also has a genuine interest in sports. Ravi is currently working as a journalist at
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tottenham confirm first signing of Thomas Frank era as permanent deal finalised for Mathys Tel
Spurs are understood to have paid around £30m for Tel after his loan spell last season (AFP via Getty Images) Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Mathys Tel on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich. Spurs are understood to have paid around £30million for the 20-year-old, who has agreed a six-year contract and becomes the first official signing of the Thomas Frank era. Advertisement Tel made 20 appearances for Spurs last season after joining on loan in January, scoring three goals. He was an unused substitute for their Europa League final win over Manchester United. In a statement, Spurs said: 'We are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from FC Bayern. (AFP via Getty Images) 'Mathys joined the Club from the Bundesliga side in February on loan until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent. We can confirm we have agreed a deal with Bayern that will see the France Under-21 international sign a contract that will run until 2031 when his current loan deal ends on June 30.' Advertisement Tel is currently representing France at the European Under-21 Championship. Spurs are stepping up moves to make new signings for Frank, who is interested in a reunion with Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo. Mbeumo is valued at around £60m and is also wanted by Manchester United. Spurs have also been linked with Brentford stars Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard.
