West Brom could turn to Leeds United for an important loan transfer this summer.
West Bromwich Albion’s summer transfer business is now in full swing as the Ryan Mason era gets underway.
The Baggies have already completed two significant signings to kick off the window and more are in the offing as Mason seeks to move his side back into play-off contention following last season’s disappointment under Tony Mowbray.
The Championship is expected to be as competitive as ever with the likes of Sheffield United, Coventry City and Middlesbrough eager to continue fighting for a top-six finish alongside West Brom, while newly-promoted teams Birmingham City and Wrexham will be confident they can cause an upset by continuing their rise up the divisions.
Centre-back Nat Phillips’ arrival from Liverpool and the signing of talented striker Aune Heggebø from Brann should help put Albion in the mix for play-off football but the competition is so fierce that more reinforcements will be required, especially in midfield and attack.
Who could the Baggies turn to, then? Could Mason cash in a favour from Tottenham Hotspur and sign Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear or Jamie Donley on loan? Could they seek to take advantage of the free agents market now that the likes of Callum Wilson, Harry Toffolo and Aaron Cresswell are available?
West Brom could sign Leeds winger to boost Championship play-off hopes
All of those players mentioned could be good options for West Brom, but there’s an alternative who could be even better. Albion need a new winger following the departure of Grady Diangana on a free and Leeds United are reportedly willing to let Jack Harrison leave on loan for a third successive season.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who still has close connections at Elland Road, recently explained to Football Insider that Harrison is not in Whites boss Daniel Farke’s plans and will be allowed to leave this summer. Leeds are said to be willing to listen to both permanent and loan offers, as long as the finances are right, with the player’s valuation said to be at around £10 million.
West Brom should take this opportunity with both hands, Birmingham World believes, as there aren’t many players of Harrison’s quality available on the market right now. The 28-year-old has played at least 29 times in each of the last five Premier League seasons and was a key man for Leeds before they reached the top tier as he scored six and assisted eight in 46 Championship games during their 2019/20 promotion campaign.
How could Jack Harrison fit in at West Brom?
Very comfortable on both the left wing and right wing and even capable of playing as a number 10 if required, Harrison could really strengthen Albion’s creative and scoring output from the flanks. The former New York City FC man may have only contributed one goal and one assist in 34 Premier League appearances on loan at Everton last campaign, but he was a force to be reckoned with at Leeds before that.
In a total of 170 Premier League matches, Harrison has scored 25 and assisted 20, while in his 206 career appearances for Leeds, he has scored 34 and assisted 32. It’s not just his goal and assist numbers that have been impressive, either, as Harrison is a strong dribbler and can help add some real oomph to West Brom’s attacks.
Now, Harrison’s £67,000-a-week wages could be tricky to cover - and Leeds would probably want a small loan fee - but it could be well worth the investment. In our view, Albion would be signing a huge upgrade on Diangana and Harrison’s arrival could soften the blow if academy product Tom Fellows is to leave amid Premier League interest.
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