Leeds United are soon expected to confirm their second signing of the summer with Jaka Bijol arriving from Udinese. The 26-year-old will become Daniel Farke’s first fee-paying transfer of the window, following striker Lukas Nmecha’s free agent move from VfL Wolfsburg last weekend.
With Sky Sports reporting that medical tests are complete and a deal is edging closer, Bijol can soon enjoy his honeymoon before reporting for pre-season next month, and he’ll also have the chance to pick out a squad number. The centre-back has worn No.29 in all but one of his nine seasons in senior football but that is currently on the back of Willy Gnonto.
While Gnonto could vacate the spot in search of something different himself, as things stand Bijol will need to find a new number. And below, the YEP has taken a look at every available option.
1. No.5
The most recent number to become available having been vacated by Pascal Struijk following his £20m move to Brighton. The Dutchman spent two years with 5 on his back. | AFP via Getty Images
2. No.12
Loan signing Jaidon Anthony spent one season wearing the No.12 shirt in 2023/24 before returning to Bournemouth. It has remained unclaimed in two years since. Previous owners range from Gordon Strachan to Paul Rachubka. | Getty Images
3. No.13
Unlucky for some, and usually reserved for back-up goalkeepers - albeit neither Karl Darlow nor Alex Cairns went for it. Given up by Kristoffer Klaesson in 2024 and previously worn by Kiko Casilla. | Getty Images
4. No.16
Another to become recently available, with previous owner Illan Meslier leaving Leeds upon the expiration of his contract. Previous owners include Yosuke Ideguchi and Toumani Diagouraga.
5. No.17
Was Largie Ramazani's shirt number during the 2024/25 season but became up for grabs following the winger's summer loan move to Valencia. He could reclaim it, if staying, but that doesn't feel likely. Previously owned by Helder Costa and Alan Smith. | Getty Images
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6. No.20
Jack Harrison spent the first half of last season with No.20 on his back before joining Fiorentina on loan in January. Unlikely to be around next season and so it'll remain available. | Getty Images