49ers to blame for latest Leeds transfer woe as Jack Harrison closes on Elland Road exit
The transfer window for Leeds United has been, by and large, an absolute mess and another update on Sunday (August 13) will have had fans in more uproar.
The Times Journalist Paul Joyce reported Everton are in “very advanced” talks to take Jack Harrison on loan from the Whites, with a buy option said to now be on the cards as well (Liverpool Echo).
Sky Sports later reported Harrison was having his medical on Sunday, with the transfer moving at a rapid pace.
Then the situation changed quite drastically once again, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Aston Villa had swooped in to hijack the move and Harrison heading to Villa Park for a medical.
But in one final twist, the Athletic announced that Everton had won the race after all.
What is clear is that Harrison is going to depart and it marks the continuation of a dismal theme for Leeds, who have already seen the likes of Max Wober, Robin Koch, Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson take advantage of similar exit loan clauses in their contracts this window.
But, while the previous regime must shoulder the majority of the blame for those exits, the origins of this latest transfer twist involving Harrison can be traced back to new owners 49ers Enterprises.
You see, as Leeds fans will remember, Harrison was on the brink of joining Leicester City – also relegated last season – back in January, and was even reportedly having a medical over a £25million move (The Telegraph, 18 March).
However, the plug was pulled on the deal and Harrison remained at Elland Road, where he was unable to help stave off relegation.
That same Telegraph report stated that it was the 49ers Enterprises behind the U-turn, costing Leeds a very decent windfall on the winger.
Even more remarkably, Harrison only penned a new five-year deal at Elland Road back in April (official website, 6 April), but that contract had the exit clause inserted into it.
You would have to imagine the 49ers may have had some knowledge of this happening, but regardless of who gave the final say there has been so much short-sightedness over this whole process involving Harrison.
Leeds fans simply deserve better than has been happening this summer.
In other Leeds United news, Willy Gnonto is still trying to force through his own move to Everton.