Leeds United want to keep Jack Harrison this summer, and the revelation of Newcastle United’s early talks with Harvey Barnes eliminates one prospective exit option.
This summer, little has been seen of Jack Harrison beyond the Thorp Arch walls. The Leeds United winger made his only appearance on club media outlets last week.
Harrison was finally spotted meeting Rasmus Kristensen, Max Wober, Helder Costa, and Daniel James at the training site when they returned for pre-season. Aside from that, he’s been maintaining a low profile while rehabbing from a hip injury and hoping to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.
Few fans will be upset if Harrison remains a Whites player on September 2 due to his low profile. There is still plenty of time between now and then for Harrison to show the rest of the world what he is capable of.
But who will come calling? Harrison was on the verge of departing the Whites in January when he was summoned from Leicester City‘s training ground, where a new contract awaited him in West Yorkshire.
There is thought to be some kind of relegation release clause in Harrison‘s contract, but it remains to be seen who looks to take advantage of it. Of course, Leeds want to keep the wide man and hope to persuade him that another year in the second tier is worthwhile, and Leicester could have indirectly played a role in his story.
If Harrison‘s January agreement at King Power Stadium had gone through, Harvey Barnes would have been a teammate of his. However, following the Foxes’ relegation, he is also on his way out of the East Midlands.
The 25-year-old is nearing completion of a £38 million deal to Champions League-bound Newcastle United. Harrison fans will be aware that the Magpies have shown an interest in the winger in recent transfer windows.
Seeing Eddie Howe take on Barnes in a similar part of the pitch eliminates another probable destination for Harrison. Many Premier League clubs will still be interested in him, especially as the end of August begins to focus attention on top-flight squads.
Based on previous interest, Newcastle would have been one of the most appealing possibilities for Harrison. Champions League football and staying in the north with a highly regarded coach would have been difficult to pass up.
Tottenham Hotspur is another club said to be interested in Harrison, but will they give him the minutes he needs at this stage of his career? Everton have been the most heavily associated with the 26-year-old in this transfer window, but will another relegation struggle be enough of a carrot to entice him away from his five-year home?
Time will tell, as will Harrison’s performance when he returns to the pitch. For the time being, Leeds has one less menace to be concerned about.
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