Everton takeover update plunges Jack Harrison Leeds United future into doubt
Leeds United could miss out on selling Jack Harrison permanently following the collapse of Everton’s latest takeover.
Harrison re-joined Everton on loan from the Whites last month having initially headed to Goodison Park in the summer of 2023, following United’s relegation from the Premier League [Fabrizio Romano, 24 June].
Back-to-back loan spells suggest that, if it’s possible to complete a transfer at some point, Everton would be keen to do so but Dan Friedkin pulling out of the running to buy the Toffees could be costly.
Any permanent move would be in the pipeline for the summer of 2025 regardless but there is significantly less clarity now that the Toffees’ ownership situation has been sent back to square one.
Leeds United may need to seek alternative Jack Harrison transfer
We’ll never know if Harrison would have returned to the Elland Road fold or not had the Whites won promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking in May.
United’s play-off final defeat to Southampton meant that Harrison was able to leave the club again due to a loan clause in his contract [Phil Hay, 29 May], but his return to Everton suggests he does want a permanent move.
However, given the Toffees’ precarious situation off the pitch, it means Harrison also faces an uncertain future.
Relegation from the Premier League – which has been a real possibility in the past few seasons – would leave Everton in a similar position to the Peacocks last summer, restricting their ability to spend.
With Harrison unlikely to play for United again, the club’s hierarchy will want to make a profit on the £11million fee they paid Manchester City in 2021 [Graham Smyth, 26 June], and in a year’s time, but Everton could be a long way from paying such an amount.
In other Leeds United news, an update has emerged around Liam Cooper’s future at Elland Road after contract talks with Blackburn Rovers
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.