Jack Harrison is back at Leeds United after Everton confirmed they would not be turning his loan deal into a permanent one this summer, returning to a contract that still has three years left to run.
Everton waved goodbye to Harrison as well as three other on-loan players in the form of Orel Mangala, Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja. The trio return to Lyon, Napoli and Chelsea at the end of the loans.
Harrison initially joined Everton on loan for the 2023-24 season, one of eight Leeds players to use Victor Orta’s much-criticised relegation loan clause. Leeds didn’t go up that season, so the clause was still active.
It saw Everton strike a second loan deal for Harrison, but he has struggled this season. Just one goal for Everton, David Moyes has decided not to request a permanent deal for the £11m Leeds signing.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
David Moyes praises Jack Harrison’s attitude amid Leeds return
There had been some reports suggesting Moyes could try to sign Harrison permanently, with the Everton manager a fan of Harrison’s work rate. But that work rate has not translated into goals or assists this term.
Having signed a contract until June 2028 a few months before relegation in 2023, Harrison returns with plenty of time left on his contract. But Leeds fans do not want Harrison as part of their squad next season.
Moyes told Everton’s website: “We would like to thank all our loan players, who have contributed to the positive steps we made on the pitch. They all embraced what it means to play for this club.
“Their attitude and commitment throughout their time at Everton was first class. We wish Jack, Jesper, Orel and Armando all the very best for the future,” Moyes continued, on Everton’s website last weekend.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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Where could Jack Harrison end up come the summer deadline?
It is not just Leeds fans that want rid of Harrison. According to reports, The 49ers are ready to listen to offers for Harrison and in fact, in a bit of a twist, Everton have not been ruled out going back in for him.
Harrison’s five years in the Premier League:
Season Club Games Minutes Goals Assists Minutes per G+A
2020-21 Leeds 36 2855 8 8 178.4
2021-22 Leeds 35 2647 8 1 294.1
2022-23 Leeds 36 2727 5 7 227.3
2023-24 Everton 29 2219 3 3 369.8
2024-25 Everton 34 2083 1 1 1041.5
Harrison has also been linked with a return to the MLS, having started his senior career alongside the likes of David Villa, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo with New York City. But he may view that as too soon.
It is unclear what Daniel Farke thinks of Harrison. A player that has played five consecutive seasons in the Premier League and has plenty of experience, especially with talks to sign Manor Solomon struggling.