Leeds United ‘controversy’ as Jack Harrison transfer claim made
Jack Harrison could be set for a “controversial return” to Leeds United after they missed out on other transfer targets, according to Ian Herbert.
Writing in the Daily Mail (28 January), Herbert said that having been rebuffed by both Emi Buendia and Julio Enciso in their hunt for an attacking midfielder, the Whites could turn to a familiar face instead.
Harrison is yet to score or assist in 18 Premier League appearances for Everton during his second consecutive season-long loan spell at Goodison Park, and now a return to Elland Road has been mooted.
In an article titled ‘Why Leeds United’s most likely January transfer now looks to be the controversial return of a former fans’ favourite who’s fallen on hard times’, Herbert said: “Emi Buendia didn’t want to go to Leeds, preferring Bayer Leverkusen on loan.
“Brighton’s Julio Enciso preferred a loan move to Ipswich. Jack Harrison, shot on confidence after a torrid period on loan at Everton, may be the one heading to Leeds.”
Jack Harrison return to leave sour taste for Leeds United fans
Although there’s no doubt that Harrison produced arguably the best moments of his career in the white shirt, his performances and inconsistencies often made him a polarising figure at Elland Road.
The 50-50 verdict on the 28-year-old made by most United fans has since become a purely negative one, due to Harrison being one of several players to depart on loan after the Peacocks’ relegation.
While a number of the players who jumped ship in the summer of 2023 hadn’t been at the club for very long – such as the now-returned Brenden Aaronson – Harrison’s circumstances were wildly different.
A member of the Whites’ title-winning promotion side in 2020, Harrison became one of the league’s most dangerous wingers as a result of his development under Marcelo Bielsa from 2018 onwards.
That tag – and any good will held by the United faithful – is now long gone, and if Harrison were to return to Elland Road before 3 February, there’s very few supporters who’d welcome him back with open arms.
In other Leeds news, Jim White revealed that he’s had “secret conversations” to back up his verdict on United’s promotion.
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