Leeds United’s hopes of selling Jack Harrison to Everton permanently remain more and more in the balance the longer his struggles at Goodison Park continue.
Harrison was blasted by Everton fans after his performance from the bench in their 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this week, a strong indictment of where his form is right now.
The 28-year-old has not scored or assisted once in the Premier League since returning to Everton on loan for a second time in the summer. In fact, you have to go all the way back to February for Harrison’s last goal, and even further back to November 2023 for his last assist.
As his relationship with Everton supporters begins to sour, it would be fair to say it is already practically beyond repair with Leeds supporters.
Alongside Rasmus Kristensen, Harrison is just one of two players to have left Elland Road on loan twice since relegation and as such, he knows how Leeds fans feel about him now.
Jack Harrison of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Goodison Park on December 04, ...
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Jack Harrison keen on Everton permanent deal but chances fading
In an ideal world Leeds would have shifted Harrison permanently in the summer after a fairly decent first campaign at Everton.
However, failure to win promotion meant the loan clause in his contract remained active, which both he and Everton were able to take advantage of.
There had been hope Everton would look to make it permanent in due course but speaking exclusively to LeedsUnited.News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says a decision has not been made.
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According to Bailey, Harrison is keen on joining Everton on a full-time basis but after being dropped for the last five matches, it isn’t so cut and dry.
Bailey says Everton could also be under new management and ownership in the coming months, which is another factor that could count against Harrison.
He said: “I think Leeds would like him to go permanently. I think Leeds are hoping that because Everton have two domestic loans which obviously means they can’t do another. Are Everton looking? If they desperately need to do one, are Leeds going to take advantage by turning it into a permanent deal?
“I don’t think Harrison is desperate to come back to Leeds at any point. I think it’s something that is under consideration by Everton, but they are going to change managers, so I think they might try and not do it, just for the sake of building a squad that they might have to wait for the summer for a new manager.
“It’s a complicated one, but I think Harrison would quite like to do it. But he’s not playing every week at the moment. I don’t think that particularly bodes well for Leeds in this regard. I think they’d like to sign it off permanently. Obviously they’re saving a lot on his wages.
“He hasn’t started their last four games. Lindstrom’s playing quite well now. It’s an interesting one. It wouldn’t surprise me if we see him back in white next season. But the likelihood is that by January they might be changing manager then, so it’s a bit of a tough call.
“We’ll see what happens when the takeover gets rubber-stamped and no disrespect to Harrison, but they might be looking at bigger names going forward.”
How long does Harrison have on his contract at Leeds?
Following three years on loan at Leeds, Harrison’s time at Elland Road was eventually made permanent back in the summer of 2022 for around £11 million.
Harrison was then handed a new contract just over a month before Leeds were relegated, keeping him at the club until 2027, a deal which certainly has its positives and negatives.
If Everton were to decide against a permanent deal for Harrison, he would at least still be under contract at Leeds for another three years, thus protecting his value.
However, it is that contract that saw the loan clauses inserted in. All that has done is prevent Leeds from being able to make a sale, which could prove costly next summer if his poor form continues and other interested clubs don’t come forward.
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