How Jack Harrison will break strict salary cap as Leeds United exit advances
Jack Harrison finally looks set to leave Leeds United permanently.
The winger will be well-remembered for his explosion into life under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road, but not much else.
Scoring 34 goals and adding 32 assists in 219 appearances for Leeds, Harrison threw away any chance of a positive exit.
It all started after Premier League relegation, where Harrison believed the grass was greener elsewhere.
That wasn't the case, though.
Two failed loan spells at Everton were followed by a spell in Italy with Fiorentina last season, with no permanent option taken by either.
Jack Harrison on verge of Leeds United exit
MOT Leeds News first exclusively revealed at the start of July that New England Revolution were interested in Harrison.
Now, that move is advancing.
The Athletic report that the Revolution are close to finalising a deal that will see Harrison return to the MLS.
Not only that, but it's said that the winger will likely join as a designated player, under MLS rules.
On big Premier League wages, Harrison will finally leave three years into a five-year deal that he signed back in 2023.
What is a designated player in MLS?
Funnily enough, Harrison isn't exactly what you would picture in this role.
Especially after his efforts in the Premier League when handed another chance by Daniel Farke at Elland Road.
A designated player is someone whose salary and transfer fees can exceed the strict salary budget cap in the MLS.
Clubs in America are allowed three of them, and it first came into play when David Beckham joined LA Galaxy back in 2007.
It's a big step down from Beckham to Harrison, though.
Leeds will instead move forward with their own signings, as they finally start to trim down on loose ends.
Rather than loan deals that have haunted them for years, the likes of Harrison, Max Wober and Isaac Schmidt are all moving on.
Largie Ramazani and Joe Gelhardt could also follow, with Leeds moving smart to dance around the new SCR regulations.
With Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic already signed, these exits could help them land a record deal for James Trafford.
This is just another great move from Leeds and the 49ers.