Marcus Antonsson cost Leeds United a reported fee that could rise to £2m with add-ons when he signed for the Whites (below) from Swedish outfit Kalmar FF at the end of June this year.
When he left the Kalmar, Antonsson was the Allsvenskan’s leading scorer, netting 10 times in 12 games in the top tier Swedish side. It was this goal-scoring prowess that Whites fans were hoping the nimble Scandanavian was going to bring with him on his first foray into English football.
Finally it's official! Just signed for Leeds United! This is a dream comeback true and i'm so happy! #MOT #lufc pic.twitter.com/PA1t6940qr
— Marcus Antonsson (@AntonssonMarcus) June 28, 2016
Antonsson’s joy at signing soon translated into his first appearance for United in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne, where the Swede played the last third of the game. In those 30 minutes of action, the newly-signed striker showed enough movement and poitioning to give Leeds fans something to look forward to from today’s game against Shamrock Rovers.
The anticipation, that wait to see him in action again in the yellow away colours of Leeds United paid dividends for those fans eager to see Swede on the menu again at Elland Road. For his part, Marcus Antonsson repaid the fans with excellent movement, good awareness and general all-round superb play. What was more important were the two goals that helped Leeds to a 3-0 victory over higher ranked opposition than Shelbourne, even if today’s opponents Shamrock Rovers put out a somewhat weakened side of sorts. Still, you can only play what is in front of you and Antonsson’s two-goal salvo was well-taken.
Great end of this camp here on Ireland. 3-0 win and my first two goals for LUFC. Thanks for the great support during this two games🙏🏼😃 #MOT
— Marcus Antonsson (@AntonssonMarcus) July 16, 2016
Fan reaction to Antonsson’s performance vs Shamrock Rovers
From a Tweet dripping in simplicity such as this one,
Front 4 of Roofe, Antonsson, Wood and Dallas could be tasty next season #lufc
— Neil 🏆 (@GoneBerardi) July 16, 2016
to a Tweet that looks forward to what he can bring next season.
Looking forward to seeing what Antonsson can bring to Leeds this year. Looks decent #NewSigning #Swedish #WeAreGoingUp #LUFC
— Shane McGuinness (@Shane_Guinness) July 16, 2016
Leeds fan Chris looks a little loftier in hi outlook and says that the Swede was one of two players that stood out massively.
Roofe and Antonsson look a cut above everyone 👌 #lufc
— Chris Coleman (@CLC1224) July 16, 2016
Leeds fan Anthony thinks that he may have found a new favourite player to follow.
https://twitter.com/AnthonyyBurke/status/754344231142092800
Whilst it’s a little too early to get all over-enthused with just how Marcus Antonsson will dismantle Championship defences, the signs are there that he could be both a welcome addition to the Leeds United 2016/17 Championship campaign as well a player who will torment a few defences next season.