The arrival of Pontus Jansson, a 6ft 5in central defender, at Leeds United on loan from Torino was first hinted at by journalist Joe Rawson at the tail-end of one of one of his tweets announcing the arrival of Liam Bridcutt.
This was then later confirmed by the Whites themselves (below).
We are delighted to announce the signing of defender @PJansson5 on a season-long loan from @TorinoFC_1906! #lufc pic.twitter.com/O0Id4xsw1P
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 18, 2016
Jansson certainly has the phyciality suited with his position, standing 6ft 5in as a central defender certainly helps in that respect, but there are also signs that he is comfortable with the ball at his fee too. Only being announced as a Leeds United player on the 18th of August, his arrival was deemed too late for him to make an appearance against Sheffield Wednesday two days later, in a match the Whites won 2-0.
However, against opposition two divisions below Leeds in the footballing structure of the English leagues, many fans thought that Jansson might well get his opportunity against Luton Town in tonight’s EFL Cup Second Round tie – something that journalist Phil Hay agrees with (below).
Bit of early team news – expecting Pontus Jansson to make his full debut tonight, alongside Sol Bamba in the centre of defence. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 23, 2016
Speaking of the signing Jansson, who will wear the #18 shirt whilst at Elland Road, told the club website, “It feels really good to be here. I heard about three or four days ago that Leeds were interested and I spoke to the coaches. I need to play football regularly and I know that Leeds are a big club with big ambitions – they also have a lot of fans in Sweden, so I’m really happy to be here.”
Leeds fans will be welcoming the addition of centre-back Jansson to the ranks at Elland Road with their being growing fan concern over the suitability and strength of the central defenders at Elland Road, with many fans singling out the inconsistencies in club captain Sol Bamba’s game as indicative of the defensive frailties at Leeds United.
Speaking of the type of defender he sees himself to be, Jansson mentions something that will endear him to the Elland Road faithful if observed during games. The Swede said,”I’m an aggressive defender and I always give more than 100% for the team that I play for.”
It appears that Leeds United fans may just well get to see this promised physicality for themselves tonight as the Whites take on lower league opposition for the second time in the EFL Cup where they will be hoping that tonight’s game won’t be as titanic a struggle as the game against Fleetwood Town.
