Paraag Marathe Credit: Imago
Leeds United allowed Illan Meslier to leave on a free transfer after his contract expired and, despite their reluctance, sanctioned Pascal Struijk’s sale before the end of June to help balance the books.
There is still plenty of work to do, though. Leeds remain burdened by several high earners who are no longer part of Daniel Farke’s plans, and the club are eager to move them on before the transfer window closes.
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The Whites are willing to listen to offers for players such as Wilfried Gnonto, Joel Piroe and Sebastiaan Bornauw as they look to trim the squad and reduce the wage bill.
On Wednesday, Leeds terminated Max Wober’s contract to allow him to join Schalke on a free transfer. However, the club will have to make a similar ruthless call on one more player.
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Leeds chairman Paraag Marather was clear at the end of last season that the club would need to move on several players to make space in their squad and wage bill for recruits.
Pascal Struijk, Illan Meslier, Isaac Schmidt and Max Wober have left the club this summer. However, there are a few more players who would have to be moved on.
Leeds hope to earn decent fees on a few players before the end of the transfer window. However, they may have to go the Max Wober route with one more player.
Jack Harrison had a poor loan spell at Fiorentina in the latter half of last season, and the Italian club declined to take up the option to sign him on a permanent deal.
A move to the MLS has been mooted, and New England Revolution are in talks with his representatives over a deal to take him back to the US.
However, no agreement is still in place, and it seems Leeds may have to terminate his contract to facilitate the move to the MLS this summer.
Harrison is still on decent wages at Leeds, and the MLS side may not be ready to pay a fee and meet his salary demands.
Daniel Farke left him out of his pre-season touring squad, signalling what he feels about the player’s future at Elland Road.
49ers must cut their losses with Jack Harrison
Jack Harrison has no long-term future at Leeds United. His performances last season showed there is little to be gained from bringing him back into the fold, making a permanent exit the best outcome for all parties.
He is also a financial burden for Leeds, given his wages, and getting him off their books is the best decision for the club and the player.
Leeds should forget about getting a minuscule transfer fee on a player who is a huge drag on the club’s wage bill, and should allow him to leave on a free transfer.
The club showed with Patrick Bamford last year and Max Wober this summer, that it is better to get rid of high earners with no value to the squad rather than wait to earn a small fee from their departures.