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Garry Monk has been busy since taking over at Leeds United, bringing in plenty of new faces. The likes of Pablo Hernandez and Marcus Antonsson have already made big impacts so far this season. But, the Whites are still underperforming, and depth has been an issue.
On August 16th, 2016, Leeds fans were happy. Not only did we salvage a point against Championship leading Fulham, but we signed a very familiar face on a permanent deal lasting two years. His name? Liam Bridcutt.
He’s back! We are delighted to announce the signing of Liam Bridcutt from @SunderlandAFC on a two-year deal! #lufc pic.twitter.com/HaJYAObNlp
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 16, 2016
The Scotsman was made 27 appearances for Leeds last season, and he was one of my favorite players to watch on the ball. He is a man who can win challenges on defense and spring the team into a quick counter-attack. He’s a much needed addition to a side without any real defensive midfielders (in light of Toumani Diagouraga apparently not being in Monk’s plans).
Leeds have informed midfield duo Toumani Diagouraga and Luke Murphy that they can leave the club. #lufc https://t.co/Km4mMivbcu
— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) August 17, 2016
Then when I thought the week couldn’t get better, it did. Yesterday, Leeds United acquired their fifth player on loan and their 10th signing of the window. Six foot five inch centerback Pontus Jannson has been welcomed to the Yorkshire Club on a season-long loan from Serie A side Torino.
We are delighted to announce the signing of defender @PJansson5 on a season-long loan from @TorinoFC_1906! #lufc pic.twitter.com/O0Id4xsw1P
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 18, 2016
Jannson was in Sweden’s Euro 2016 team, but he failed to make a single appearance in the tournament as Sweden failed to make it out of their group. I am happy Garry Monk was able to bring in Jansson. He is a player who can only get better with game time, and I feel like he is going to take over the starting CB spot next to Bartley, thus forcing Sol Bamba out of the starting XI.
"I'm really happy to be here." - @PJansson5 speaks exclusively to @leedsunitedtv after finalising his move to #lufc. https://t.co/dyS8NyjufK
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 18, 2016
Pontus seems excited to get things started, and hopefully his positive attitude can ignite a spark in the team and put an end to our defensive issues. I expect Jannson and Bartley to be the bash brothers of the defense, just watch.
And others rate him highly too, making me wonder if Jansson might actually be the best signing of the entire summer:
@PhilHayYEP Pontus Jansson is a strong signing for the club! Made a report on him back in 2011. Strong character. https://t.co/2FR0ldx4d9
— Øyvind C. Johansen (@scan_scout) August 17, 2016
With the additions of Liam Bridcutt and Pontus Jansson, I think I can honestly say that a top finish for Leeds is a legitimate target! I personally want a top eight finish, a nice cup run is in the making, and I think this season has the potential to be one us Leeds fans won’t forget! #MOT