Leeds United winger Jack Harrison is the subject of interest for multiple Premier League clubs.
Newcastle United have been long-term admirers, whilst Leicester City have also been credited with interest this week.
The Daily Mail have reported that the Magpies remain keen on Harrison still, and would be willing to make a late January swoop, should their attempts to land Everton’s Anthony Gordon fall short – while Leeds command a £35million fee for the winger.
Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports reported on Leicester’s interest in the 26-year-old, too. He said: “Leeds don’t want to sell, especially to a relegation rival and I’ve been told Harrison keen to agree new contract at Elland Road. Currently has 18months left. Brazilian Tete likely to be half the cost for Leicester.”
As the rumours continue to circle around Harrison’s future, our writers Adam (Statto) and Kris (FA5) discuss whether the Whites should be tempted to cash in on the winger…
Harrison’s output is seriously unreliable, and he consistently goes through purple patches of form and small streaks of goals and assists throughout a season.
Leeds have also moved to strengthen their wide attacking options in a big way in the last few transfer windows. Jesse Marsch can call upon multiple options to play as a winger or wide forward: Luis Sinisterra, Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, Brenden Aaronson, and Georginio Rutter are all capable.
However, Harrison has been almost ever-present for the best part of five seasons with the club. He is almost never injured, too. An attribute that is often undervalued is availability on the pitch, which is more than can be said of some players at the club currently, with Summerville and Sinisterra both side-lined for parts of this season with injury already.
As a home-grown English player, it makes sense to keep him by tying him down, thus protecting the asset, too; but if no agreement can be reached then the club ought to maximise whatever they can with 18 months left on his contract in this window. Every player has a price after all.
Quiz: Has Jack Harrison scored a Leeds United goal against these 15 clubs? Yes or No?
If Harrison’s sale is what helps us fund the signing of a midfielder or any other last-ditch business, then the thought of £35million is very tempting.
Selling to a direct rival in Leicester would be a big mistake though, and I’m unsure as to whether letting a side around us get stronger is a wise move.
Even though Harrison has reacted to his change in role well lately, I don’t think we’ve seen nearly enough from him this season to justify resisting such money, if it does come in.
He’s got 18 months left on his deal and the fact we could be landing a sum that high for him is something we have to consider, even if it leaves us short and in need of a new signing before Tuesday’s deadline.
Can you see Harrison leaving Leeds in January?
Yes
No
