Pontus Jansson reveals why Leeds sold him to Brentford: ‘To balance the books’

Brentford announced on Monday night that they have signed the Swedish centre-back on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee

Pontus Jansson has said that Leeds sold him to Brentford in “order to balance the books” and revealed that his relationship with Marcelo Bielsa was ‘not easy’ due to language issues.

Brentford announced on Monday night that they had signed the Swedish centre-back on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old made 117 appearances for Leeds over three seasons, having initially joined on loan from Torino.

Jansson played 41 times in 2018-19, earning a place in the Championship team of the year, but missed Leeds’ play-off semi-final defeat by Derby through injury.

Revealing why he had left Leeds for Brentford, Jansson told the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet: “Leeds needed to sell to balance the books because of FFP and they saw that they could make some money out of me.

“I said to my agent [Martin Dahlin] that I wanted to stay in England when this situation arose. There have been several tempting offers from various clubs but I am happy here and have made a name for myself in this country.

“My ambition is to play in the Premier League but I didn’t want to sit and wait for the right club in the Premier League to make an offer later in the summer and let this chance [to join Brentford] pass me by. I felt early on that Brentford was right for me.

“I have always liked to have a close relationship with my coach. Like the relationship I had with Roland Nilsson or Rikard Norling for example. That hasn’t been as easy with Bielsa and one reason for that is the language.

“I regard Bielsa very highly, as one of the absolute best coaches I have worked with. He is special, believes in his idea to the max and I have learned a lot from him.”

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank said he will bring “immense professionalism and experience” to his side.

“To have someone with his CV turn down other offers to join us shows where we stand as a club now,” he added.

Brentford have the option to extend Jansson’s contract by a further year.