Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson signed a permanent deal in February.
Leeds’ Pontus Jansson celebrates scoring their first goal
Leeds United co-owner Andrea Radrizzani’s transfer activity in January was minimal, much to the frustration of fans who hoped for a big splash.
The biggest deal was announced after the window had closed, when the Whites announced in early February they would be signing popular loanee Pontus Jansson to a four-year contract.
Jansson officially remains on loan from Torino, with his switch to be made officially permanent from July 1.
This looked like an impressive piece of business at the time, but subsequent developments have made it seem even better.
Pontus Jansson of Leeds United celebrates at the end of the game
Jansson’s dominating performances in the Leeds back four have understandably garnered attention, from clubs right at the top of the Premier League.
Swedish newspaper Expressen report that title challengers Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are both interested along with Liverpool.
All of them could be able to offer Jansson the chance to play Champions League football next season, raising the stakes for a defender who has long expressed his desire to play in the Premier League.
He can still reach the top flight with Leeds but playing in the Champions League could be tempting.
Leeds face a battle to hang onto him, and this makes Radrizzani’s move to sign Jansson permanently look like a crucial piece of business.
If they had not, then it would be Torino deciding his fate, and likely selling to the highest bidder.
Leeds hold the cards and can simply tell Jansson to stay put. Had he remained on loan, their chances of holding onto him would rest solely on winning promotion. This way, Radrizzani has ensured Leeds have a chance.
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