Jack Harrison has joined Everton on a season-long loan from Leeds United, and he might now be reunited with a 2022-23 Elland Road flop who struggled in Yorkshire.
Harrison impressed in brief appearances for Everton last season, having joined the club when Leeds were relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2022-23 season via Victor Orta’s relegation loan clause.
He scored seven goals to help Sean Dyche’s side overcome a points deduction and avoid relegation. Harrison was one of two players with Orta’s loan clause extended for a second season.
The other option was Marc Roca, but Real Betis decided to sign the left-footer permanently. Harrison has returned to Goodison Park on loan, and he might be reunited with a player who failed at Leeds.
Weston McKennie’s miserable tenure at Leeds in figures.
When he first signed, Leeds fans believed the team had pulled off a major coup. Tyler Adams’ longtime buddy and former teammate, as well as Brenden Aaronson’s USA teammate on loan from a club like as Juventus.
According to ESPN, Leeds paid £1.5 million to sign him on loan and would need to pay another £35 million to make the transfer permanent. Fortunately, just the former sum was paid to Juventus when Leeds were relegated.
McKennie appeared 20 times for Leeds during the second half of the 2022-23 season, but it’s difficult to recall a game in which he performed admirably. Indeed, Leeds supporters questioned McKennie’s fitness.
McKennie is now in discussions to join Harrison’s Everton permanently.
After a great season at Juventus, in which McKennie regained his place under Max Allegri, the USA star has entered the final year of his contract, and a return to the Premier League is increasingly plausible.
According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Everton has just initiated talks with Juventus about signing McKennie. Juventus is reportedly seeking a sum of between £13 million and £17 million to let McKennie go.
Everton have money to spend and need a new midfielder after selling Belgian star Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50 million. McKennie and Harrison might reunite on Merseyside in the coming weeks.
