Jack Harrison’s future is one of the intriguing narratives this summer at Leeds United, back in pre-season training after two seasons spent on loan, where he’s seriously tarnished his previously strong reputation at the club.
The 49ers were dealt a significant blow when they first took over in having to deal with several want-away players that could secure exits with ease through loan clauses in their contracts.
It made that group public enemies amongst the Leeds fans, but none became as disliked for their decision as Jack Harrison, who actually spent two seasons out on loan at Everton with public comments not helping his chances of staying in Elland Road’s good books.
Most Read on LeedsAllOver
Leeds United’s pre-season footage emerges from Thorp Arch with Jack Harrison involved
Monday this week saw the first wave of Leeds’ squad return for pre-season testing under Daniel Farke, with work on the grass coming in the days after.
Some internationals, such as Willy Gnonto and Mateo Joseph, remain on an extended break but the bulk of the squad including all four new signings have been present in club media throughout the week.
Included in the group is Harrison, back from Merseyside and putting in the graft like everyone else, as shown only briefly in the footage shared on YouTube, but was barely ever seen in discussion with his teammates like virtually everyone else was during the course of the 16-minute video, his only interaction filmed being with the coaching staff:
Photos via LUFC’s YouTube
Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Darko Gyabi and Charlie Crew were also part of the group, while there was seemingly no sign of James Debayo in the video, having seen his contract expire amid talks with the club over an extension.
The top dog from the club’s bleep test was golden boot winner Joel Piroe, edging out Sam Byram in second place.
Jack Harrison should still leave Leeds United this summer
Him being back in the squad is ideal in terms of him at least being an amicable figure at the training ground, but it shouldn’t change the reality of the situation.
The fanbase won’t welcome him back, he’s coming into the squad off the back of two very underwhelming loans at Everton, and has made it very clear that over the last two years, he’d rather be anywhere else than Elland Road.
We don’t want players here who aren’t committed to the club, and especially if they don’t really improve on what we’ve currently got.
If Farke sees fit to try him out before the start of the season, he’s got so much work to do to even stand a chance of being someone fans can get behind.