On Monday evening, Brentford announced the signing of Pontus Jansson from Leeds United, showing the defender looking slightly shellshocked whilst holding a half-eaten biro.
The transfer has been a big shock. Of course, it was known about in the days leading up to the move, but if someone had said a few months ago that Jansson would be leaving Leeds for Brentford, in a deal worth around £5m, they’d have been laughed away.
Media close to Leeds have clearly been fed the line that Jansson’s attitude has been a problem recently, and not something Marcelo Bielsa has been pleased with, leading to the transfer.
However, in Sweden it’s been reported, and backed up by Jansson himself, that FFP issues at Elland Road have been behind the move.
The London club may have been concerned about the claims around the Swedish international’s attitude, so they contacted former Leeds United and Brentford manager Uwe Rösler.
He’s now in charge at Malmo, where Jansson has been training, and knows the footballer well.
Speaking to Sydsvenskan, he explained: “They called and asked how he was. I could only say positive things. I really like him. He always gives everything in training and has been a good example for our players this summer.
“I’m glad Brentford gets such a good player. But I have to say I’m a little surprised. It is a transfer that is a mark for the future. I can say that Brentford gets a very good player for a very reasonable price. £5.5m is almost nothing at all in the English market at the moment.”
