‘Unbelievable’: Jansson gives verdict on Brentford ace amid Leeds interest, predicts future move
Former Leeds United centre-back Pontus Jansson has raved about three Brentford attackers ahead of the play-off final on Tuesday night and amid Leeds United interest in two of them.
He said he hopes they will be playing for the Bees in the Premier League but predicted moves to a big club if that didn’t happen.
Jansson missed out on the Premier League after falling with Leeds in the semi-final of the play-offs last season.
Now he’s hoping to go one better and he hopes the Brentford attacking trio – Said Benrahma, Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbeumo– can fire them to the top-flight.
The three have contributed an incredible 59 goals for the Bees this season and that’s seen Benrahma and Watkins linked with Leeds.
Athletic journalist Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds are confident they can sign Benrahma for less than £20m if Brentford lose to Fulham on Tuesday.
Leeds are also credited with an interest in Watkins.
Talking to Football.London, Jansson said, “All of them three will play in big, big clubs, hopefully with us in the Premier League. If not, in big, big clubs in the world in the coming years.
“Said, the things he can do with the ball you can’t dream about. It’s unbelievable and, like with Ollie, the way he works for the team is unbelievable. And of course, he scores goals.
“Fantastic player with the ball but how he works for the team sets the standard in every game. Bryan is probably going to be better than both of them in the future because he has such talent.”
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The interest in Benrahma has put Leeds fans on a collision course with the Brentford fans.
Where we would have been cheering on Jansson, who the fans still hold in high regard, Leeds fans will now all be Fulham for the night.
Jansson has hinted that there could be moves on the horizon if Brentford don’t get relegated and after the standout season Benrahma and Watkins have had, it’s tough to see them staying at Brentford if they don’t get promoted.
Hay claims Leeds think they can get Benrahma for less than £20m if Brentford suffer play-off heartache and that would represent a bargain for a player who scored one more goal than Patrick Bamford did for Leeds from the wing.
Leeds are looking for a goalkeeper (if Kiko Casilla leaves), at least one centre-back, a left-sided defender and help up top.
If we sign Benrahma we’d need a striker still – Benrahma and Watkins would be the dream for a lot of Leeds fans.
In other Leeds United news, Report: Orta tries transfer hijack, striker in advanced talks with Euro rivals over £20k/wk deal