Leeds United: This Cellino Italian import left a lasting impression at Elland Road | OneFootball

Pontus Jansson was brought to the club during the chaotic Massimo Cellino era, but left Leeds United a cult-hero.

Few players from the Massimo Cellino era managed to leave Leeds United having made a lasting impression at Elland Road or having made an impact elsewhere, but Pontus Jansson perhaps was the primary exception.

Leeds have enjoyed some of their recent history and players in the Premier League era, under Marcelo Bielsa's tutelage, and would finish ninth upon their returning season to the top-flight after 16 years away. However, the majority of their recent history has come in the EFL, which has seen some extraordinary signings in that time, especially during the most chaotic years of the club's existence.

They remain in the Championship in 2024/25 after narrowly missing out on promotion last term, but very little of their recent years prior to Bielsa's arrival could be described as particularly fun or enjoyable. Many fans became disillusioned during that period and Jansson was perhaps a key component of igniting the spark again between players and fans.

He began his career at Malmö FF, earning a reputation as a talented central defender. His performances then attracted interest from European clubs, leading to a move to Torino in 2014. After struggling for regular game time in Italy, Jansson joined Leeds on loan in 2016, where he quickly established himself as a fan favourite.

Following a successful loan spell, Leeds made the deal permanent, and here we look at his impact in that time and how he left a cult-hero.

Jansson’s career at Leeds United

Jansson joined the club with Garry Monk as manager, at a time when the Whites had finished between 13th and 15th for five consecutive years in the Championship. His passion and fierceness got many fans back onside in a season where Leeds fared much better, finishing seventh.

Jansson’s time at Leeds was defined by those passionate and no-nonsense performances and fiery personality, which were traits that made him an instant hit with supporters. Arriving in 2016, he was the embodiment of the club’s desire to return to the Premier League, playing with a level of intensity that reinvigorated the Leeds fanbase.

His towering presence in defence, combined with his knack for making critical tackles and blocks, quickly made him a cult figure. It wasn’t just his defensive prowess; his infectious personality, willingness to engage with fans, and his emotional outbursts after games showed his genuine love for the club. He wore his heart upon his sleeve, and that raw emotion resonated deeply with Leeds supporters.

Jansson wasn’t just a key player on the pitch—he helped to reignite a connection between the team and supporters. Leeds fans, starved of success for years, found a figure in Jansson who not only fought for the badge but also felt their frustrations and ambitions. He was a leader on the pitch, often playing with a point to prove, and fans rallied behind him, viewing him as one of their own.

Jansson and teammate Chris Wood were named in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season and that year was a real turning point for the club in their recent history, with the building blocks put in place before Bielsa's arrival in 2018. Jansson was a critical part in the club's transition.

However, after more impressive displays under various managers, including Bielsa, Jansson’s time at Leeds came to an abrupt end in the summer of 2019. Despite his clear value to the team, his fiery personality and reported clashes with the often enigmatic Argentine saw him move on to Brentford.

It’s possible that Jansson never truly recovered from his antics against Aston Villa, with Bielsa ordering Leeds to allow their opposition to score after Mateusz Klich’s controversial opener. Jansson was the only Leeds player who visibly showed how much he disagreed. He was sold just a couple of months after the incident.

His exit left a mixed feeling of disappointment and understanding, as Bielsa’s philosophy demanded a more harmonious dressing room. Nonetheless, Jansson’s contribution to Leeds during those three seasons cannot be understated, particularly in laying the foundation for their eventual promotion the year after his departure.

The 33-year-old left for a reported £5.5 million, with Phil Hay of The Athletic reporting Leeds controversially let him go because of his disruptive nature behind the scenes. He did not fit in with Bielsa’s ethos despite his standing as one of the club’s best players.

The move came as a shock for many fans at the time. Leeds were strengthening a rival club at the top end of the league, and also letting a fan favourite go who was considered to be one of the best in his position in the league.

Jansson’s move to Brentford proved fruitful as well, becoming a key figure in their push for Premier League promotion. Captaining the side, he led Brentford to the top-flight for the first time in their history in 2021, cementing his legacy in English football. His leadership and experience were vital as Brentford established themselves as a Premier League side.

His legacy at Leeds remains to this day after 120 appearances and scoring nine goals during his time with the club — often vital, thumping headers from a set-piece. He left for Brentford and he would eventually gain promotion and become captain of the Bees, but although he was loved in West London, it was not to the same extent as the loyalty and devotion shown at Elland Road.

However, last summer, the 33-year-old left London to rejoin the club where it all started for him. The Swede moved back to his native country to sign for boyhood club Malmö and become captain. It's been a similar story back in Sweden, as despite injury setbacks, he remains a revered figure at both Brentford and Leeds for his leadership and tenacity, as he does with Malmö.

Despite his successes with Brentford and the like, it is with Leeds that Jansson had the strongest connection with the fans, helping to re-establish the love between players and fans that had been somewhat lost. His powerful headers and thundering tackles earnt him such a reputation that Leeds supporters sung their own explicit song for him on the terraces.

It can occasionally be heard today, almost six years after selling Jansson. He remains one of the biggest success stories of the Cellino era as owner of the side.