Pontus Jansson was regarded as a “disruptive influence” among the Leeds United squad, according to The Athletic.
Jansson Told Of Elland Road Departure By Letter
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For the first time since leaving the club earlier this summer, Pontus Jansson returns to Elland Road with his new employers, Brentford.
The Whites will aim to maintain their unbeaten start to the Championship season; although, all eyes will be cast upon the Yorkshire side’s former defender, Jansson, who made a £5.5 million move this summer.
During a three-year spell at Elland Road, the Swede was a mainstay in the Whites’ defence.
However, Jansson’s future in Yorkshire seemed to have an imminent conclusion with Leeds needing to balance their accounts in the interest of Financial Fair Play (FFP).
‘Disruptive Nature’
According to the Athletic, sources close to Jansson have revealed that a letter sent to the defender described the financial situation as the reason for his departure from Elland Road.
However, at the start of July, Leeds sold Jack Clarke to Tottenham for £9.7 million. In doing so, the burden of FFP obligations upon Leeds were reduced.
The Whites sent Jansson a letter instructing him not to return to pre-season training until July 12, due to his international duty commitments, the day before Bielsa’s squad flew to Australia for two friendlies, one against Manchester United.
In a signal of change in intentions. It had become clear that Jansson was no longer among Marcelo Bielsa’s plans and had become, as the Athletic describes, a “disruptive influence.”
Upon his return to Elland Road, Leeds boss Bielsa called upon Whites supporters to give their former defender a warm welcome.
“He deserves to be received with the right reception. He was the best player in the team last season,” he said to the Daily Star.
“I cannot talk about the previous years because I was not working with him, but he had a high-level season last year.
“I appreciate what he gave to the team. The fans are going to be fair and will recognise what he did for the club.”
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