As Jack Harrison continues to find life difficult at Everton, so the chances of a return to Leeds United this summer become surely what is now a certainty. With a new owner, fresh money to spend and about to move out of Goodison Park into their shiny new stadium, it seems unlikely Everton will make a move to keep hold of a player who has struggled to have any sort of impact this season.
Without a goal involvement in the campaign so far, Harrison finds himself out of favour with supporters and heading for the exit door from Everton. Only signed on a season-long loan, there's the argument Harrison was always coming back to Leeds anyway, which is a fair one to make. However, the expectations were the winger had probably played his last game for Leeds after two season away on loan.
His form, his salary and Everton's new position mean he looks nailed on for an Elland Road return in the summer, with Leeds knowing if they're not a Premier League club then the clause in the player' contract will allow him to leave again if he can find someone to pick up his entire salary.
So what does this mean for Leeds? The good news is Harrison is a player whose character and application have never been questioned and while it may be strange returning to Leeds after wanting to spend two years away, all indications are the winger is the type of character who could handle a return like that and who would ensure he was totally dedicated to the cause if he were back at Leeds.
Harrison has been called "one of the most professional players" and has had that label recently backed up by Everton boss Sean Dyche, despite him leaving the player out the team.
Speaking when Harrison's five-year contract was announced in April 2023, former Leeds United director of Football Victor Orta said; “Jack is a crucial part of our squad and our plans going forwards and I’m really happy he has agreed to commit his long-term future to the club.
“He is one of the most professional players I have come across in my career, he has an unbelievable attitude and only wants to continue improving and I know we will see him at his peak over the duration of the next five years.”
Meanwhile, Dyche spoke about Harrison recently, he said: “He is still working hard, he’s a very honest professional, and just trying to find those moments for him.
“He works so hard in training. He’s so honest and if anything he’s a player, and I’ve had this with Dwight McNeil, that puts too much pressure on themselves.
“Sometimes you’ve got to release that and maybe there’s a bit of that when he gets out there, to find that enjoyment in what it is and not get so tight, especially in the top third of the pitch. He works very hard and is a top professional and a very important part of the group.”
A Leeds return may be unexpected but it appears the Whites will be getting a player with the right attitude when he does come back.