OPINION
West Ham need to ramp up their reported interest in Leeds United defender Pontus Jansson if his first performance in the World Cup is anything to go by.
The 6ft 4in (source: Transfermarkt) colossus helped Sweden beat South Korea in their opening group stage match and looked a rock in the heart of the defence.
Guardian journalist Ed Aarons reported in April that the Hammers were keen on signing the Championship centre-back this summer.
West Ham are interested in signing Sweden defender Pontus Jansson from Leeds in the summer
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) April 10, 2018
They may have added Issa Diop to their squad already, but should now try bring in powerhouse Jansson to give them a fresh new-look defence that should improve theo options at the London Stadium.
His price tag is surely going to rocket if he continues to perform to such a high standard, especially when he comes up against Germany and Mexico in the remaining group games.
Jansson was asked by Swedish news outlet Football Skanalen if his price tag has gone up after the win against South Korea, to which he responded “yes maybe.”
Manuel Pellegrini should give the green light on an approach to Leeds for their talisman and offer the player a chance to play in the Premier League.
He is an imposing figure that deserves a crack in the top flight of England after impressing for two years in the Championship and doesn’t look out of place at the top level at a World Cup.
West Ham are well on the way to building a squad that can compete for Europe next year and centre-back Jansson may be another crucial part of the jigsaw.
