Leeds United manager Garry Monk may have found himself in the same position as former Malmo coach Åge Hariedes with regards to Pontus Jansson. The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Southampton in recent weeks, and the scenario is showing similarities to when he forced a move to Torino from Malmo in 2014.
Jansson is seen as a cult hero at Malmo in the same way he is with the Leeds United faithful, but this didn’t stop him asking for transfer from the Swedish club. Expressen have reported on Jansson demanding a move to Serie A with Torino, which ultimately ended in the Swede being demoted to the bench by Hariedes.
The defender has also seen himself dropped to the bench by Monk in recent weeks, after the Sweden international was surprisingly left out of the victory over Brighton last month.
The Leeds United star was then named as substitute in the following game with Reading, but the player ruled himself out with an injury just hours before kick-off. Jansson eventually returned to Monk’s starting eleven, but only due to the suspension of Liam Cooper.
The Leeds United player has been linked with move to Southampton in the summer, and it could be seen Jansson has again had his head turned. Jansson has spoken about his desire to play in the Premier League, and with Leeds United’s promotion chances faltering this dream could be fulfilled at Southampton or elsewhere.
The south coast side could lose Virgil van Dijk in the next window, and Jansson is a possibility to replace the Dutchman.
Pontus Jansson’s agent last week talked up interest in the defender, and his wishes to play in the top flight.
