Leeds United transfer business questioned as Jack Harrison to Everton update shared
The loan release clause allowing Jack Harrison to return to Everton from Leeds United without a fee this summer has been described by Graham Smyth as “egregious”.
Posting on X [19 June], the Yorkshire Evening Post chief football writer showed dismay towards the clause, which will allow Harrison to move on loan for a second season running.
The 27-year-old will return for another term in the Premier League without a loan fee being received by Leeds, whilst Everton will pay 100 per cent of the player’s wages during 2024-25.
Quoting colleague Joe Donnohue’s report of the move, Smyth said: “Fully expected, of course, but of all the loan clauses handed out this one was surely the most egregious.”
Everton take Jack Harrison from Leeds United free for the year
Whilst the deal has its advantages for all parties – Everton get a senior member of the squad back in the building; Leeds are absolved of wages for a season and Harrison remains in the top flight – Leeds do lose out in terms of not receiving a straight-up loan fee, as is routine these days.
The constant availability for other clubs to take Harrison on loan has been seen as a ploy by former sporting director Victor Orta to ensure the player signed a new deal, despite relegation looming in April 2023.
Whilst the clause has attracted criticism, it’s nothing Leeds did not expect – Harrison was never expected to be part of Daniel Farke’s plans for next season, neither did he particularly want to be when faced with continuing at Goodison Park.
Farke and the club’s recruitment team will now continue assembling the Leeds squad to restore their promotion charge in 2024-25, with Harrison just one of numerous loanees the Whites must deal with in the coming weeks.
In other Leeds news, the club have been urged to sign a Championship star on a free transfer.
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