Pontus Jansson is set for a fresh challenge away from Leeds United, with reliable reports from BBC Radio Leeds confirming that the Swedish international is expected to join Brentford at some point this week.
Leeds have benefitted from Janssonâs service for the last three years, but Phil Hay has noted that the relationship between the club and the 28-year-old has broken down recently, with the Whites sighting a couple of attitude problems with their star defender.
That isnât likely to put Brentford off, though, they will have watched Jansson over the last three years in the Championship and will realise this a quality defender, who on his day, is one of the best outside of the Premier League.
The Premier League has been Janssonâs aim for the last three seasons with Leeds, and although that target hasnât been met, the Whites have gone close and last season finished third in the table after looking like certainties for automatic promotion for so long.
Naturally, the Whites will be amongst the favourites again next season, but just because Jansson is departing, his aims shouldnât change, promotion will still feel a possibility down in London with Brentford.
Yes, the Bees donât have the history of a club like Leeds or the support from the terrace, but theyâve got an outstanding squad and an impressive young coach in Thomas Frank. Last season was turbulent for the Bees after Dean Smithâs departure, but they shouldâve done better and will be at the very least aiming for the top-six next season.
But, in a Championship thatâs so unpredictable, more could be achieved at Griffin Park, especially when you consider theyâre bringing a player of Janssonâs ability on board to complement a side that love to attack.
In Ollie Watkins, Neal Maupay, Said Benrahma and Sergi Canos, Brentford have an electric attack who were involved in 52 goals and 35 assists last season â an incredible figure for four combined players. Of course, Maupay is attracting serious interest from Sheffield United, whilst the other three will have their admirers, but keeping them together has to be a priority, especially with a statement signing like Jansson on the way in.
Jansson will want assurances that Brentford are going to challenge for promotion next season, and one way the Bees can prove to him that they are serious contenders is by rebuffing derisory bids for their current stars.
If the squad the Swede is joining is kept together, he will be confident of competing at the top of the Championship once more and maybe even achieving what he failed to do in three years with Leeds.