This week, a takeover of Everton has finally been completed with Leeds United winger Jack Harrison on loan at Goodison Park until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
It has been long in the offing, but finally the Friedkin Group have completed the 99.5% purchase of the club from the much-criticised Farhad Moshiri. It is believed a deal is expected to cost around £400m.
The deal had been agreed towards the end of September and now, ahead of the January transfer window, they have finally gained Premier League approval with the Premier League boasting the final decision.
Dan Friedkin has lead the purchase, with the Friedkin Group also owning Claudio Ranieri’s AS Roma. It now can have an impact on Leeds United, with The Whites seemingly keen to let Harrison leave the club.
Leeds United are keen on Jack Harrison sale – but what now?
The left-footed winger was one of eight players to use Victor Orta’s relegation loan clause and he joined Everton in the summer of 2023 after Leeds were dropped into the Championship at the end of 2022-23.
Then, last summer, Harrison saw his clause active for a second window and Everton moved again to keep the former New York City ace for a second year. But Harrison is struggling, with no goals since February.
Leeds are hopeful of a permanent Harrison sale to Everton. But following the confirmation of Everton’s takeover, Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that it reduces the chances of Everton signing Harrison.
“Everton’s takeover does affect a permanent deal for him. With a new manager, new sporting director, biggest stadiums in England, I think they’re a different prospect. I think they’ve got bigger fish to fry.
“But in terms of his Everton future, I think it’ll be one of those situations where it will be thanks for the last two years but we’re moving in a different direction,” Bailey told LeedsUnited.News about Harrison.
Jack Harrison is contracted to Leeds until the summer of 2027…
So if Harrison doesn’t sign for Everton and realistically, his form is hardly going to tempt many other clubs into a deal, then what are the chances he follows Brenden Aaronson’s example and returns to Leeds?
Aaronson and indeed, Max Wober are back at Elland Road after jumping ship on loan. The difference is that Harrison has spent two years away from Leeds, but Bailey thinks there’s a chance he returns.
“I can see Jack Harrison coming back to Leeds, like a Stuart Dallas, a wing-back. There might be room for him at Leeds. I don’t think Leeds fans hate him, I can see him back at Elland Road in the Premier League.
“When Leeds go up, you nee Premier League players. He’s a Premier League player. Leeds can’t go and sign 12 players. Aaronson came back, Leeds fans doubted him. Harrison may still have a career at Leeds.”
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