Jack Harrison flattered to deceive as he got his first start for Leeds United this season in a 2-0 defeat at Burnley on Saturday. Daniel Farke decided to reintegrate the player into his squad over the summer, but he has not provided enough evidence that he deserves to be in the team.
Harrison returned to Leeds last summer after spending two years on loan at Everton, and there was a feeling he would have stayed at Goodison Park if they wanted to keep him on a permanent deal.
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However, Farke gave him one more chance to rekindle his Leeds career, and he was heavily involved during pre-season, when fans jeered him for running away from Elland Road following their relegation from the Premier League in 2023.
Harrison got his opportunity on Saturday because of Noah Okafor’s injury, but the winger struggled to make an impact and provided more fuel to his detractors, who feel he is not good enough for the Premier League.
Leeds make Jack Harrison transfer decision
Leeds are in the market for a winger and an attacking midfielder in the winter window. They could even push on and sign a striker if they have the required funds.
Harrison is seen as a player who could be moved on in the winter window, but according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Farke has no interest in further weakening his attacking options.
He feels the winger could only leave Elland Road if Leeds bring in the required attacking players and feel Harrison would be surplus to requirements.
However, O’Rourke stressed that at this stage it doesn’t seem like the winger will leave Leeds in January.
“Look, for Leeds right now, they’re probably looking to strengthen the squad rather than weaken it”, O’Rourke said on Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast.
“Particularly in attacking areas, where Farke is planning to strengthen in January. A lot will depend on what Leeds are able to do in the transfer window themselves.
“If they are able to bring in attacking reinforcements, then maybe that could open the door to a move for Jack Harrison.
“But I don’t think there’s sort of in the making for a potential move away from Harrison right now.”
Harrison has been atrocious
While it is hard to look at his numbers for the season, as the Burnley defeat was his first league start, there is enough evidence to suggest that he has not been good enough.
Looking at his numbers from the game, he did very little to improve Leeds’ attacking game. None of his crosses into the box found it’s target, and he misplaced several passes in the opposition half.
The winger was also guilty of missing a big chance, and neither of his two attempts on goal were on target.
However, looking at his numbers for the season, it is easy to see why Leeds fans were reluctant to have him back in the squad this season.
It is important to state that these are all substitute appearances, but Harrison has done little when he has come on from the bench. There is nothing in the numbers to suggest that he has been a positive addition to the Leeds squad.
Farke does not want to weaken his squad in January, but Harrison is doing nothing other than providing him one more body, and that is not a reason to hold on to someone.
Leeds should bring in a new winger in January and find a way to offload Harrison, as for the moment, he is not adding anything to the squad.
Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
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