Brentford have announced the signing of Sweden defender Pontus Jansson from Leeds for an undisclosed fee. Jansson, 28, made 120 appearances for Leeds after joining them from Italian side Torino, initially on loan, in the summer of 2016. “Brentford have completed the signing of Pontus Jansson from Sky Bet Championship rivals Leeds United for an undisclosed fee,” Brentford confirmed on their official website. Welcome @PJansson5 https://t.co/XD12JOipwr#BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/ylUDRSOT1Q — Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) July 8, 2019 “The Swedish international central defender completed a medical in central London earlier today, Monday 8 June, before signing a three-year contract. “There is also a club option of an extra year to keep Pontus with he Bees until June 2023.” Jansson was a hugely popular figure among Leeds fans and earned himself cult-hero status during his three years at Elland Road. News of his pending departure was met with initial dismay by supporters before it was reported the centre-half had fallen out of favour with Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa. Pontus Jansson made 120 appearances in all competitions for Leeds (Richard Sellers/PA) Jansson refused to adhere to Bielsa’s instructions to let Aston Villa walk in an uncontested goal during a Sky Bet Championship fixture in April, which Albert Adomah scored to secure his side a 1-1 draw. The Swede’s larger-than-life character and full-blooded displays made him a firm fans’ favourite, but Bielsa is understood have questioned the player’s team ethic. Leeds confirmed Jansson’s departure in a brief statement on their official website. “Swedish defender Pontus Jansson has today left Leeds United to join fellow Sky Bet Championship side Brentford for an undisclosed fee,” Leeds said. Jansson, who has made 22 senior appearances for his country, began his career with Swedish side Malmo and spent two years in Italy with Torino before joining Leeds. Jansson, centre left, scores against Brentford last season (Richard Sellers/PA) Brentford head coach Thomas Frank said: “Pontus is a top defender who brings immense professionalism, a great attitude, experience, defensive robustness, leadership qualities, and threat from set-pieces to our side. “Everyone knows about the Brentford model but to develop the young players we have here, we also need experience and quality in the squad to get the perfect balance. “To have someone with his CV turn down other offers to join us shows where we stand as a club now.” Brentford finished 10 points adrift of the top six in the Championship last season, while Leeds were beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Derby. Jansson scored Leeds’ late equaliser in last season’s 1-1 draw with the Bees at Elland Road. Topics Brentford, Leeds, Marcelo Bielsa, Pontus Jansson, Thomas Frank, Championship, Brentford, Leeds We will not kick the ball out for an injured player, insists Leeds boss Bielsa Lampard excited to lead Derby into play-offs Sheffield United claim victory against promotion rivals Leeds Bielsa chooses fair play over points in extraordinary Elland Road contest Tunisia keep their cool to beat Ghana on penalties and reach quarter-finals Gerrard welcomes Rangers selection headaches ahead of Europa League qualifier Brown driven on by last season’s Champions League no-show Lennon to speak to Ntcham about his ‘mindset’ after transfer comments Talking points as Celtic begin Champions League qualifying campaign Monday’s big transfer rumours: Daniel Sturridge finds new club? The new Financial Fair Play rule change that could completely change how next season’s Premier League plays out Why Arsenal and Crystal Palace’s valuations of Wilfried Zaha are BOTH right How VAR will be used in the Premier League in 2019/20 Jurgen Klopp’s agent reveals the one job that could lure him away from Liverpool eventually
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