It would be no surprise if Southampton identified the Leeds United fans’ favourite as the ideal replacement for Virgil Van Dijk should the Dutchman depart St Mary’s.
Can any club in England’s top five tiers compete with Southampton for transfer market nous? Out went Luka Shaw, in came Ryan Bertrand, Graziano Pelle for Manolo Gabbiadini, Victor Wanyama for Oriol Romeu, the South Coast club are masters at compensating for the constant loss of key players by identifying suitable replacements without breaking the bank.
And, if Virgil Van Dijk becomes the latest polished diamond to move on to new and supposedly better things in the summer, don’t be surprised if Southampton renew interest in a rock-solid centre-back that ESPN claims they first clasped eyes upon all the way back in 2013.
The publication reported that, four years ago, The Saints had identified Malmo’s title winning centre-back Pontus Jansson as the ideal addition to their backline. At just 22-years-old, the iron-headed defender had already earned four international caps with a bid of £1 million reportedly enough to bring him to England from his homeland.
Following a sensational debut campaign with Leeds United, however, The Whites’ cult hero would cost a bob or two more these days – especially after they turned his loan move from Torino permanent earlier in the month, as reported by the BBC.
Forming an oft-impenetrable partnership with Kyle Bartley, Jansson’s commitment, ferocity and infectious leadership are major factors in Leeds’ push for promotion this season and the defender has barely wasted an opportunity to profess his love for the club that salvaged his stalling career.
Yet, if Leeds miss out on promotion this season and Southampton come calling with an offer of top flight football and a realistic chance of fighting for Europe in 2017/18, Jansson’s commitment could be put to the test.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
