£3.5 million for arguably the finest defender in the league? A permanent switch suits both parties very nicely.
Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he is desperate to remain at Elland Road because the club has helped revive his love of the game.
The Swedish centre-back became an almost immediate cult favourite with fans for his committed displays at the heart of the defence alongside fellow stalwart Kyle Bartley, with comparisons to legendary captain Lucas Radebe highlighting the extent of his impact.
And Leeds fans could soon get their wish for Jansson to remain long-term with the 25-year-old reiterating his desire to remain in Yorkshire for the foreseeable future, with Leeds having the chance to make his loan deal for Torino permanent once he has played his 20th game for the club.
Jansson, who could prove a snip at £3.5 million, says the adoration from the terraces has reminded him why he fell in love with the game, particularly after he was frozen out at Torino by coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.
“I’m really happy to be here and Leeds have changed my football life again,” the Jansson told the Yorkshire Evening Post. “I feel happy to play football and I feel the love for the sport. I’m thankful for that.
“Everything ended in a bad way [at Torino]. Every day now when I go to my car and drive to the training ground here I’m so happy to play. I want it to be this way.
“When you don’t play every game and you’re out of the team, you can’t have that feeling. You would play every game. That’s how I am.
“You play football for a reason – I want to play and I want to win games and when you’re not playing you don’t feel that you are important for the team.”
Jansson’s fearless displays have played a huge part in Leeds’ early march towards the play-off positions under Garry Monk, with his commanding presence in the backline looking increasingly essential as the season progresses.
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