As Jack Harrison’s goal drought extended beyond a year, the Everton loanee’s free-scoring days at Leeds United felt like lightyears away.
This is a footballer who – with 21 in total – averaged seven goals a season in the Premier League between 2019 and 2022. A footballer who, while hitting a thrilling treble past West Ham, became only the tenth Leeds United player ever to fire home a hat-trick in England’s top flight.
Jack Harrison joined such luminaries as Mark Viduka, Eric Cantona, Robbie Fowler and Tony Yeboah when ripping The Hammers to shreds at the London Stadium.
So, while contrasted with those past successes, that 12-month, 40-game goal drought is made all the more mystifying.
Leeds United return is possible for Everton loanee Jack Harrison
Harrison is a far from popular figure with the Everton supporters. He was once again the subject of Toffees ire when replacing the stricken Iliman Ndiaye during Wednesday’s action-packed 2-2 draw with Merseyside rivals Liverpool at a raucous Goodison Park.
While Everton boss David Moyes is a confirmed admirer of the Leeds loanee, it is hard to imagine a cash-strapped outfit rushing to pay the sort of fee required to tie Harrison down to a permanent deal.
Not as his tally of goals and assists, across 24 games this season, stands at a big fat zero.
The winger’s future could hardly be more uncertain, then, heading into the final few months of the campaign.
If Everton have no plans to keep him, what do Leeds United do with a footballer who overcame his early critics to become a fans’ favourite in the glorious Marcelo Bielsa era?
Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, speaking exclusively to Leeds United News, can certainly envisage a scenario in which Harrison returns to his parent club and acts as an experienced utility man – ‘the new Stuart Dallas, maybe’ – for a club who could benefit from his versatility and Premier League nous once promotion is be secured.
Bailey also believes that Junior Firpo will leave Leeds when his contract expires over the summer.
Could Farke take a leaf out of Bielsa’s book and transform Harrison, a la Dallas, from a hard-running winger into a diligent full-back? Offsetting his weaknesses in the final third and making the most of his formidable work-ethic and competitive streak?
“I wouldn’t rule it out at Leeds. I don’t see [Junior] Firpo staying,” Bailey explains. “I wouldn’t rule out Jack Harrison coming back.
“Leeds will obviously want to rework the squad but, when you’ve got a player that’s spent the last two years in the Premier League coming back, a solid Premier League player, I’m not sure they will turn their nose up at him.”
Daniel Farke admits contract talks yet to start with Junior Firpo
Harrison was linked with a move to Marco Silva’s Fulham during the latter stages of the winter window but nothing came of those reports in the end.
Much will depend, of course, if any offers come Leeds’ way. And, if they do, how much those interested parties are willing to stump up for a player approaching 29 and who’s output has seldom been more underwhelming.
The aforementioned Junior Firpo could reportedly return to Spain with Real Betis. Thus, reuniting with former Leeds duo Marc Roca and Diego Llorente in Andalusia.
Farke admitted, after Leeds cruised past Watford on Tuesday, that discussions over the left-back’s future were still on the backburner.
“At the moment, there is no time to be distracted by contract talks,” Farke said. “Junior had a really good start before a tricky period with injuries and suspensions.
“We don’t want to distract him when finding his rhythm. There is no time to waste energy about individuals or what happens in the next six months. We’ll have some proper conversations when it’s time to do this.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
