Leeds United to lose millions amid ‘crazy’ Jack Harrison twist at Everton
Don Goodman believes Leeds United could effectively be throwing millions of pounds down the drain amid the latest regarding Jack Harrison at Everton.
Harrison is in his second season on loan at Goodison Park after the Toffees triggered a clause in his contract following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League.
That clause was included by the previous regime at Leeds and looks set to come back to haunt the club as Everton no longer look likely to sign Harrison permanently.
That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, via Leeds United News [29 October], as he claims there is worry behind the scenes at Leeds over selling Harrison next summer.
In response to that, Goodman exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “The contract scenario came under the previous regime – they handed out crazy contracts and that left the club in trouble when they went down.
“It’s another example of the previous regime’s inadequacy really. They’re literally throwing money down the drain if this scenario happens. You cannot blame anyone at the club right now for that.
“Jack Harrison is fighting some quality players at Everton and that’s not easy. At this moment he’s not really winning that battle.
“It looks like even he himself may be in a bit of turmoil if it’s a season’s loan and he’s not playing – he’s kind of stuck unless he can find another Premier League club to take him on loan, so it’s a mess all around really.”
Everton set to make Jack Harrison transfer decision
Given the impact Harrison had in Leeds’ three seasons back in the Premier League, when scoring and assisting a combined 37 goals, it is fair to assume the club could have raised a large fee for the attacker.
As it is, though, Everton were able to sign him on loan for a season in what was a huge coup for the Toffees. After a solid campaign last time out, they then had the option to land him for another 12 months.
However, Harrison is struggling this term – he has zero goals or assists in 11 league games – and is now a back-up option at best.
It therefore seems unlikely Everton will sign him permanently, and Leeds will clearly not be able to demand the £15million-plus they could have in the summer of 2023.
Harrison may well be back at Elland Road next season, but everyone will be watching his situation closely the closer we get to the end of the current campaign.
In other Leeds United news, Tottenham’s stance on Manor Solomon’s return has been mooted.
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