Jack Harrison is set to return to Leeds United after his loan spell at Everton came to an end and Frank Lampard has already explained why Daniel Farke should take a chance on the winger.
Leeds United are gearing up for their return to the Premier League and are set for a hectic summer of recruitment once the transfer window opens.
However, one player who has already been added to the squad is Jack Harrison. For now, at least.
Harrison has spent the last two years on loan at Goodison Park but Everton confirmed this week he would be returning to his parent club.
Leeds fans are mostly in agreement that they want Harrison to be sold in the transfer window and there actually remains a chance he could return to Everton.
However, perhaps Leeds should consider keeping him after all, especially after what Frank Lampard has said in the past.
- When does the summer transfer window close? New double window and when Leeds United can make new signings explained
What Frank Lampard has said about Jack Harrison
Harrison and Lampard were teammates together at New York City FC and the Coventry City manager has previously spoken very highly of him.
Talking in a press conference in 2020 as Chelsea boss ahead of facing Leeds, Lampard said on Harrison: “Jack is a million miles from the player he was in New York.
“I hope that doesn’t sound negative in any way because he was a real developing player at that point.
“An absolutely lovely lad. I’ve got so much time for Jack. I keep in touch with him. I actually spoke to him the other day.
“The player he’s developed into at Leeds has been really, really impressive.
“I think he’s playing great football. He’s a threat, two feet, quick, runs, high intensity and he’s one of their major players in an attacking sense.
“I’m delighted for him and how his career has gone, of course we’ll want to sort of nullify that tomorrow. His career has gone in a great direction, and it will continue to.”
The fact that Lampard predicts Harrison will continue to get better suggests he could still improve if given a chance at Leeds.
Two years later, Lampard was a guest on Sky Sports and showered even more adulation on Harrison. He said: “One of the best wingers in the league, Jack Harrison, when he is playing like he is playing at the moment.”
Jack Harrison would bring Premier League experience to Leeds
Harrison had a poor season at Everton, scoring just one goal and creating one assist. Still, David Moyes is said to be a fan of Harrison.
That does suggest that the 28-year-old does bring a lot of positive attributes to a team despite not being effective in attacking areas.
Harrison is very hard-working and protects his full-back well by constantly marshalling up and down the flanks.
In addition, his considerable Premier League experience could come in handy for Leeds in their bid to survive.
Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton spent heavily last summer but neglected to recruit many players with serious Premier League know-how. All three were relegated despite having talented players.
Experience of how to manage and survive top flight relegation fights is going to be required if Leeds want to stay up and, even if fans don’t like it, Harrison would bring that.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
