Jack Harrison left Leeds United for a reason, return from Everton may be impossible – BBC Sport pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
It is no surprise that Jack Harrison has been noncommittal on a Leeds United return from Everton because everything depends on the Whites getting promoted, says Paul Robinson.
The on-loan winger told Sky Sports News on 9 December (11.43am) that he would “review options” in the summer when asked about a return to Elland Road.
And with so many variables still to be decided BBC Sport pundit Robinson understands that the Englishman likely doesn’t know where he’ll be playing next season at this stage, but if Leeds don’t go up it will definitely be elsewhere.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News he said: “It’s difficult for a player who’s on loan because he’s left his parent club for a reason, whatever that reason may be, relegation, financial, or the manager didn’t want the player.
“Jack Harrison’s gone to Everton and unsurprisingly he’s done extremely well in an Everton team that are playing really well. You give them the 10 points back and they’re in the top half, they’re above Chelsea.
“The way that they’re playing, they’ve used this to their advantage, an us against them. They’re a joy to watch at the moment, Everton, they’re a hard-working team and Jack’s a big part of that.
“I can understand why he’s noncommittal on his future because he probably doesn’t know. He probably understands that situation at Leeds United on if Leeds come back into the Premier League, there’s a lot of ifs and buts for him in the next six to 12 months, depending on what Leeds do.
“If Leeds stay in the Championship I don’t think there’s a conversation, there’s a conversation about, ‘Is it Everton or is it somewhere else?’ There will be a lot of Premier League suitors for him.
“It’s only an option or a discussion to have if Leeds come into the Premier League, then it’s between the player and the club.
“If Leeds are in the Premier League then Jack Harrison’s value will be more than it is now as Leeds are a selling, Championship club. If he leaves with Leeds in the Championship then the value will be a lot less.
“So I can understand why he’s noncommittal because there’s a lot of scenarios to unfold before the end of the season and he probably can’t give you an honest answer.
“He’s probably not spoken to the new manager and doesn’t know where he’d fit in, if he’d fit in, or whether the manager would want him, whether he fits into his style.
“There’s so many different situations that could happen.”
Harrison has proven his quality at Everton since his return from injury and would likely be an asset to Daniel Farke if the German can get the club up.
Despite Crysencio Summerville and Dan James producing fireworks this season the man currently on Merseyside is far more proven at Premier League level.
He will surely stay at that level whether it is at Elland Road, Goodison Park or elsewhere, giving the Whites yet another reason to bounce back at the first attempt, as if they needed one.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could be minded to “push for more” compensation out of Everton if they get lowballed.