Jack Harrison to sign significantly improved Leeds United contract after dramatic u-turn amid Leicester move – Sky Sports
Jack Harrison is in line for a “significant” pay rise when he signs a new Leeds United contract, according to Sky Sports.
The Whites winger was on the brink of a deadline day move to Leicester City, even beginning a medical with the Foxes who were ready to offer him a lot more money than he was on at Elland Road.
But the £20million plus add-ons deal was cancelled after a change of heart in West Yorkshire, where Leeds United decided they would match the offer from the King Power, prompting the English player to return.
The Thursday Sky Sports report (2 February) states: “Sky Sports News understands there was a late change of heart within the Leeds hierarchy, who phoned the 26-year-old and told him the deal was off.
“We understand Leicester’s offer included a significant pay rise, compared to Harrison’s existing Leeds contract, which has 18 months remaining.
“A key part of persuading Harrison to stay was Leeds’ bosses saying they would match Leicester’s salary offer.
“On that basis, Harrison and his representatives walked away from Leicester, and are now ready to sign a new contract at Leeds.”
Show me the money
Leeds United have really decided to splash the cash in the past month, with the club transfer record broken for Georginio Rutter, another £30million on the cards for Weston McKennie at the end of the season and now a decent amount more money for Harrison.
The former Manchester City man has been a key part of the Whites team, not least during the relegation battle last season, but has been short of his best form for a while.
Amid new arrivals and youngsters developing the attacking areas are now well-stocked with options, so Harrison isn’t necessarily a guaranteed starter these days when everyone is fit.
So it is a bold statement of confidence in his long-term contributions to bring him back from the brink of an exit and agree to give him an improved contract.
Selling to a direct rival in the Premier League – Leeds and Leicester are currently level on points and goal-difference – would have been a risk midseason.
And there is the outside chance that, in light of Newcastle also pushing to sign Harrison in the summer, the Whites hierarchy are still planning to sell him at some point but believe they can get a much higher fee than the £20million with a new contract signed.
In other Leeds United news, the club have completed a perfectly-timed signing to beat Brexit rules.