Leeds United head coach Garry Monk has had his eye on Pontus Jansson for a while.
Leeds United confirmed the permanent signing of Pontus Jansson last week, announcing on their website that he has penned a contract until 2020.
Jansson is a player who was known to both co-owner Massimo Cellino from his time in Italy, and assistant boss Pep Clotet who coached previously in Sweden, but a chance encounter with Garry Monk may also have been a prelude to his eventual move.
Leeds’ Pontus Jansson celebrates scoring against Aston Villa
Speaking to LUTV last week, Jansson offered a reminder that Monk became aware of him when the pair were drawn together when Swansea City met Malmo in 2013 in the Europa League qualifying stages.
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Monk was part of Swansea’ playing staff at the time, in the latter stages of his career, and did not feature as part of the squad when his side hammered Malmo 4-0 at the Liberty Stadium.
He did make the trip to Sweden for the away leg on August 8 of that year, and watched on from the bench as Jansson helped Malmo keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.
Pontus Jansson at Malmo
Jansson must have made an impression on Monk that night to the point that he noted his performance, and was swayed into making a move to sign the centre-back three years later at Leeds United.
The Leeds new boy told LUTV that Monk was integral to his decision to sign a permanent deal, making him feel welcome from day one at the club.
Jansson has been superb for Leeds since signing, establishing himself as a must pick member of the first team. Without Monk, Leeds may not have him either.
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