Leeds United still have a number of options to make regarding returning loanees this summer.
The Whites have been gradually working through the list of eight first-team players who departed on loan last summer, with only Robin Koch and Luis Sinisterra confirming their long-term futures this season.
Brenden Aaronson was then chosen as Leeds’ next signing, with Daniel Farke offering the unexpected path back to redemption at Elland Road.
Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen, and Diego Llorente now face the most uncertain futures, as none of them have the opportunity to move on loan again. There is a real likelihood that the first two will join Aaronson in returning.
The pair is completed by Jack Harrison and Marc Roca, with the former returning to Everton on loan for the second time and the latter poised to join Real Betis permanently.
Smyth provides an update on whether Jack Harrison could return next season.
It’s fair to say that when all eight of those players moved on a temporary basis last summer, Leeds fans were not pleased.
The news of Aaronson’s reintroduction into the squad was met with mixed reactions, but getting it done so quickly will likely benefit him in his relationship with the fans.
The longer others, such as Wober and Kristensen, leave it, the more likely it will be difficult for them next season.
However, in the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road Podcast, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth revealed who of those players will not be welcomed back.
Smyth believes Harrison’s choice to depart on loan for the second time means he has almost probably played his final game for Leeds, even if the Whites are promoted next season.
He stated: “Jack Harrison received his dream move back to Everton, his second loan to Goodison for what they think would be their final season at Goodison before moving to the new stadium. I don’t think anyone is surprised, and we all knew it will happen.
“We did not expect him to come back and play in the Championship. I doubt anyone anticipated him to return and play for Leeds, but I believe this is the final nail in the coffin.
“There might have been a potential for reintegration after one season, depending on the circumstances, like Aaronson. If enough people take him back, he will have the opportunity to rewrite the story.
“But I suppose deciding to leave Leeds twice in a row says it all. Even if Leeds win promotion this season, do you think Jack Harrison will be welcomed back if he decides he wants to play for Leeds again?
Could Harrison commit to Everton permanently?
According to reports, his first loan to Goodison Park had a £20 million buyback option to sign Harrison.
However, following Leeds’ failure to earn promotion, Everton were ready to take advantage of his second option, which allowed him to leave temporarily again.
Unlike 12 months earlier, Smyth claims the arrangement to bring him back to Merseyside does not include a permanent option.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton might yet make the move permanent as early as this summer, ideally for more than the £11 million Leeds paid Manchester City in 2021.
According to the transfer insider, Everton has a ‘clear probability’ of reaching a permanent arrangement in ‘due course’. That will most likely rely on the outcome of their takeover.
