The biggest surprise of Leeds United's transfer window came last week when the club confirmed that Pontus Jansson had joined Championship rivals Brentford.
The Swedish defender had established himself as a fan favourite during his three-year stint at Elland Road, during which time he made more than 100 appearances in a Whites shirt.
But amid reports of a breakdown of his relationship with the club and a falling out with Marcelo Bielsa , the club decided to cut ties with the experienced defender as he left for an undisclosed fee believed to be £5.5million, plus add-ons.
That means Leeds skipper Liam Cooper will have a new regular partner in central defence this season, with Gaetano Berardi and new signing Ben White the most likely candidates.
Speaking to reporters in Australia following the squad's arrival for their pre-season friendly double-header, Cooper gave his reaction to Jansson's departure, admitting that it caught him on the hop.
"It's always a surprise but at the end of the day, the club's got to do what the club's got to do," he said in Perth.
"He was a great player to play with, he was a great lad and we wish him all the best in his new adventure."
#LUFC captain Liam Cooper on the recent departure of Pontus Jansson to #BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/HcKk9rVjGr
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) July 15, 2019
White arrived earlier this month on loan from Brighton and made his first appearance in a Leeds shirt in the 2-1 friendly win over Guiseley, where he put in a composed, confident shift.
As with the other players that checked in to pre-season training after the first week, White has remained at Thorp Arch in order to undergo more fitness work.
Leeds' first match of their Australian tour takes place on Wednesday, when they play Manchester United at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
