Leeds United bank on Jack Harrison sale as Everton transfer takes fresh twist
Graeme Bailey believes Leeds United will struggle to offload Jack Harrison next summer as his permanent move to Everton is thrown into doubt.
Speaking to LeedsUnited.News [29 October], journalist Bailey said any hope of a permanent sale to Everton appears unlikely as the future of Sean Dyche is looking increasingly uncertain.
The Whites saw Harrison depart for a second consecutive season-long loan move to Goodison Park in June after a successful first spell there in 2023-24.
Bailey said: “Technically Jack Harrison’s due back and we’ll see what happens. That will be a little bit of a worry for Leeds as I think we know that even if Dyche finishes the season, he won’t be there next season.
“So will whoever comes in at Everton want Harrison? That might be a bit of a concern for Leeds.
“It’s not that he’s not a good player, but they were looking on banking on that and hoping that Everton were scratching around to make that permanent and bring in another loan signing in January, but it probably doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now.”
Leeds United have moved on from Jack Harrison
While Leeds will need to find a contingency plan should Harrison return at the end of the season, it is a testament to how far the side has come under Farke that they have not missed the winger.
The 27-year-old has hardly been showing the form to make the supporters regret his departure this year, but his performances will be a cause of concern for the Whites, who will likely have no intention of welcoming the forward back to West Yorkshire at this stage.
Ironically, the collapse of The Friedkin Group’s first takeover attempt prompted concerns the Blues would not be able to afford Harrison. However, TFG’s takeover could scupper the potential deal with a new manager at the club likely to opt to send Harrison back to Leeds.
Despite Largie Ramazani suffering an injury setback, Farke is blessed with attacking options following the return of Dan James and Manor Solomon to complement Wilfried Gnonto.
The Whites have a younger and more exciting crop of attacking talent and, regardless of what happens with Everton, it is unfortunate for Harrison that there is no longer a place for him among the first-team squad.
If Bailey’s words are to be believed, Farke cannot afford to rest on his laurels. The club must now scour the market and find any interested parties willing to come to the table to avoid a potential transfer stand-off next summer.
In other Leeds news, Simon Wood shares his ‘excellent’ Leeds United Women verdict after the 2-0 win over Barnsley.
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