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 @PJansson5https://t.co/XD12JOipwr#BrentfordFCpic.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.
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.
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.
