Leeds have an option to buy the Swedish defender for around £10 million less than that figure.
On-loan Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson claims he was told by Torino’s sporting director that he could have eventually been sold for £9-13.5 million had manager Sinisa Mihajlovic wanted to keep him.
Speaking to Swedish website Fotbollskanalen, Jansson says he had been in line to sign new deal in July, but a minor injury planted doubts in Mihajlovic’s mind and the club’s offer was withdrawn.
Torino boss Mihajlovic
Informed of the Serbian’s intention to recruit alternatives in the centre-back’s position, Jansson soon realised it was time to leave, and by mid-August a loan to Leeds had been agreed.
Although a temporary deal initially, Leeds have a compulsory purchase option in place once the Swede appears in 20 matches – which will set them back £3.6 million according to the Irish Sun.
Based on Jansson’s latest comments, that looks to be a steal.
“(Torino sporting director Gianluca Petrachi) said: ‘You’re still a player, I think I can sell you for €10-15 million (£9-13.5 million), and I think so much of you, but this is the way it is,” the 25-year-old told Fotbollskanalen.
Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Jansson
“I can’t do anything. The coach does not believe in you.”
Jansson has played seven times for Leeds so far, becoming an instant fan favourite with his no-nonsense displays at the heart of the Whites’ defence.
He was quoted as saying by the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier this week that talks to secure his permanent signing are already underway.
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