Jack Harrison joining Leicester City on the final day of the January transfer window perhaps came closer than any of us realised, with The Athletic reporting that the Leeds United star was at the Foxes’ training ground on Tuesday in case terms were agreed.
Harrison’s future was the big talking point amongst Leeds fans heading into deadline day. He has 18 months left on his contract at Elland Road. And the Whites now seem to boast an amazing amount of depth up front.
However, most supporters were hoping that Leeds would snub any interest and ensure that the 26-year-old stayed put. But it seems that Harrison was open to the possibility of moving on.
Harrison began Leicester medical on deadline day
In fact, The Athletic reports that Harrison was at the Leicester training ground in the evening on deadline day. And he even went to start a medical in case the two clubs managed to agree terms.
Leicester had made a £20 million bid for the former Manchester City man. And they were prepared to offer Harrison a big pay-rise, as well as a contract which would potentially run for five-and-a-half years. But ultimately, Leeds decided that he would be staying with them.
The report notes that Harrison was not pushing for a move away. And it would appear that his presence at Leicester’s training ground was simply to ensure that they would beat the deadline if anything did develop.
Perhaps that is a reasonably common practice on deadline day. But it does seem alarming that Harrison was seemingly so close to leaving.
You can understand why he would keep his options open. Leeds were seemingly prepared to, not shutting down Leicester’s hopes of a deal.
Harrison has given so much to Leeds since his initial loan move. He was ‘unbelievable‘ at times last season as we just about stayed in the Premier League.
Maybe some fans will be disappointed in him for being ready to go. But it cannot have been a nice feeling to be in his shoes on deadline day, waiting to find out if Leeds were willing to cash in.
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