Leeds United winger Jack Harrison will return to the club, prompting Daniel Farke to make a choice on his future.
Jack Harrison was the last Leeds United player to score in the Premier League, but his future at the club remains uncertain this summer.
The former Manchester City wideman will return to the club after a season-long loan with Everton. Injuries prevented him from resuming his Premier League form with Leeds, and with financial constraints weighing on the Toffees, they may shift their focus to more troublesome areas during the summer transfer window.
Daniel Farke expects returning loan players to contribute to Leeds this season, including Brenden Aaronson, who has been confirmed as a member of the team. Should they do the same with Harrison, or is it the moment to cash in on transfer income?
Harrison has the potential to fill a gap if Crysencio Summerville leaves Elland Road in the near future. At 27, Harrison is entering his prime years, so it’s either time to use him or let him go. Here’s what our writers believe should happen to the midfielder this summer.
James Smailes
Jack Harrison is nearing his peak years. At 27, the winger should be approaching the prime of his career, which must be on his mind as he considers his choices this summer. To be clear, if Everton comes back with an offer to keep Harrison permanently, he will leap at the chance to stay in the Premier League.
There is no assurance that Everton will make a bid. He is well-liked at Goodison Park despite an injury-plagued season that hindered any genuine effect, but the Toffees have larger problems right now, and Harrison is not a priority. An offer may arrive, but it may also not materialise. The question is, would another Premier League team come in for a player who struggled with injuries last season and match Leeds’ loan price to get him out of the last three years of his contract? I am not convinced they will.
With the probable departure of Crisencio Summerville and uncertainty surrounding Wilfried Gnonto, Leeds may struggle to find a suitable replacement for Harrison within their budget. If he stays healthy, he should rip up the Championship next season, making an effect similar to Summerville.
It could turn out to be the best commercial decision Leeds makes in terms of adding to their roster. Unlike Brenden Aaronson, Harrison has no baggage to carry if he returns, and it’s worth mentioning that he enjoyed his time at Leeds and departed only for Premier League goals.
Stuart Jamieson
Leeds could sell Harrison this summer, but the winger still has a lot to give. Injuries plagued his loan stay at Everton, but if Farke can keep him fit, he might be a great asset at Championship level.
As with Summerville and Rutter last season, a great season for Leeds will boost his worth and aid in their promotion attempt. He is a cut above the rest of the division, but convincing him to stay will be the key. He will have alternatives in the top tier, and it is understandable that a permanent move to a Premier League team would be appealing. At 27, he may be unable to afford a season in the second tier.
Harrison feels like he is at a crossroads. Another loan offers little to benefit Leeds, so they should play up the appeal and pitch the potential benefits of a successful season back at Elland Road. It’s a win-win situation for both the club and the player, and if United misses out again, they’ll at least have another player who has enhanced his profile – and worth – for next summer.
Ciaran Kelly
Less than two years ago, Newcastle United made a bid for Jack Harrison that Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear believed would only cover the forward’s right leg. Would Leeds accept a similar fee now?
Harrison was directly involved in only six goals at Everton last season after being sidelined with a hip injury – half as many as he managed when Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2023 – but there is an understandable belief that the 27-year-old could tear it up in the Championship and effectively be a readymade replacement if Leeds lose Wilfried Gnonto in the summer.
On paper, that scenario cannot be disregarded, especially given Harrison’s four-year contract. Brenden Aaronson is being reintegrated into the squad.
However, if a deal can be reached with Everton, it appears to be the best option for all parties involved.
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