If Leeds United are going to sign a whole heap of new talent and build a squad capable of keeping The Whites in the Premier League this summer, some players will have to be sold.
Especially because, it has been reported that the Leeds players will see their wages rise by 50-60% thanks to promotion. With a bigger wage bill and to meet Financial Fairplay, players will have to leave the club.
Phil Hay thinks Illan Meslier is “done”, while Graham Smyth said he expects Patrick Bamford to depart this summer. Currently, three players will see their contracts end – Junior Firpo, Sam Byram, Josuha Guilavogui.
Max Wober is expected to go, too. However, Leeds could now be in line for a surprise cash windfall with one unwanted player in line for a move to a Premier League club this summer, with the manager keen.
Everton could actually sign Jack Harrison from Leeds United
According to the reliable Mark Douglas at The Independent, David Moyes is a fan of Jack Harrison’s attitude with the winger currently on loan from Leeds for a second season – despite receiving criticism.
Harrison continues to start games for Everton despite only managing one assist and one deflected goal in 30 Premier League appearances. Everton fans have grown fed up of Harrison and would prefer he left.
However, Moyes like Harrison’s attitude and it could see him remain at Everton – with Jesper Lindstrom returning to Napoli. It is unclear if Harrison could go on loan again, or if Everton will have to buy with him.
The issue Leeds have in trying to shift Jack Harrison permanently
The problem Leeds have with selling Harrison permanently is that The Whites handed Harrison a contract until the summer of 2028, months before Leeds were relegated. It also included a relegation loan clause.
That loan clause, inserted by Victor Orta, was active for a second summer in 2024 – and saw Harrison go back to Everton. Whether it is active for a third season remains to be seen, and could see him go on loan.
But given he has three years remaining on his Leeds deal, there is no opportunity for Everton to strike a cut-price deal for Harrison. It might be that the best move that suits all, is Harrison goes on loan again.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
