Leeds United transfer news: Jack Harrison set for test of loyalty despite commitment as West Ham United and Aston Villa circle
Jack Harrison is “too good” for the Championship and is now set for a “test of loyalty” to Leeds United in the transfer window, according to Dean Jones.
The Whites winger only signed a new five-year contract a month ago (6 April) but there is believed to be a relegation release clause in the deal that could see him leave for a reduced price [Express, 24 May].
The 26-year-old almost moved to Leicester in the January transfer window, but now former Premier League rivals Aston Villa and West Ham are interested in a deal this summer [talkSPORT, 29 May] and Jones believes it will be down to the wide man’s intentions.
The former Eurosport journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “It will be interesting. I mean, he’s obviously committed to Leeds at the moment, but being in a different division now might change that – he’s probably a bit too good for that level.
“It will be a test of loyalty, really.”
Gone
He may have signed a long-term deal just a matter of weeks ago but that was surely geared towards a future where Leeds United stayed in the Premier League.
If the relegation clause was indeed added it suggests the club were wary of being lumbered with that contract in the second tier so it might not even be a decision that is entirely made on Harrison’s side.
He was almost shunted out once when he apparently got as far as a medical at Leicester’s training ground on January deadline day before being called back to Leeds, so the new contract will have been as much a matter of the club committing to Harrison as the other way round.
But football moves fast, as the Foxes have themselves been relegated after Brendan Rodgers was sacked, and with alternative options already reportedly materialising in the top flight it would be no surprise to see him go.
The beginning and the end of the season showed that he is more than good enough to stay in the Premier League, although the bewildering spell through the middle of the campaign where his ability seemed to desert him may just make suitors hesitate.
If an offer comes that suits the Whites then a combination of the relegation clause in his contract and the fact he was almost sold in the last six months surely proves it is an exit that will be sanctioned on both sides, so loyalty is likely not the key factor in this potential transfer.
In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani has plans for a new manager, but not where Whites fans are hoping for.