Claude Puel is expected to be a busy man this summer as he will have to work on the current Southampton side if he wants to take them to Europe next season. The Saints have a decent squad at the moment but the manager might lose a couple of his star players at the end of the season and he is already looking at players who can replace the outgoing stars this summer. One such player targeted by Puel for a move at the end of the season is Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson.
The Swedish United did not have a great time in Torino where he spent a couple of unproductive years, but in his first season in England with Leeds, Jansson has helped the club to the top of the Championship table. He was initially taken on a loan and performances saw the English club exercise the option to make it a permanent deal but Southampton are now ready to lure the defender to the St Marys and are prepared to pay more than £10m for the player who Leeds United purchased for just over £3m. So how will this experienced defender help Southampton next season?
Though not a ball playing defender to the core, Jansson is a decent player with the ball at his feet even under pressure and loves to play short passes to set up attacks from the back. He is also a decent dribbler which allows him to get out of tight situations easily but his biggest strength is his concentration at the back. He is a genuine central defender who loves to keep his body in the way and gives the opponents no time on the ball.
He hates for his opponents to have the ball in the final third and this aggression has often helped Leeds United set up counter attacks this season. He is strong in the air and athletic and at just 26, he will be a long-term option at the St Marys and Puel might be looking at him as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch international is among the best in the business in the league and is wanted by all the top clubs in England. While Liverpool have reportedly taken the first step, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are also interested and it is hard to see Southampton keeping him for another season. Puel wanted Mamadou Sakho to replace him but Liverpool want close to £30m for his services which Southampton are not ready to pay.
This is what makes Jansson a superb option for Southampton. His experience in the domestic league in England will come handy while his three goals and an assist for Leeds United this season will also make him an attractive player this summer. At 26, he is entering his prime and could turn out to be a top-class defender for Southampton for years to come. But do you think he can replace Virgil van Dijk at Southampton?
