Jack Harrison’s goal slump had lasted more than a year, and his free-scoring days at Leeds United seemed like a distant memory.
From 2019 to 2022, this footballer averaged seven goals each season in the Premier League, totaling 21. A footballer who scored a sensational hat-trick against West Ham to become only the tenth Leeds United player to do it in England’s top flight.
Jack Harrison joined Mark Viduka, Eric Cantona, Robbie Fowler, and Tony Yeboah in shredding The Hammers to bits at the London Stadium.
So, when compared to those previous triumphs, that 12-month, 40-game goal drought seems even more perplexing.
Leeds United return is possible for Everton loanee Jack Harrison
Everton’s loanee might return to Leeds United Jack Harrison is unpopular among Everton supporters. He was once again the target of Toffees ire after replacing the injured Iliman Ndiaye in Wednesday’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Merseyside rivals Liverpool at a boisterous Goodison Park.
While Everton manager David Moyes is a known admirer of the Leeds loanee, it’s difficult to picture a cash-strapped club rushing to pay the kind of sum required to hold Harrison down to a permanent contract.
Not when his goal and assist totals for 24 games this season are also zero.
The winger’s future couldn’t be more uncertain as the season nears its end.
If Everton do not intend to keep him, what will Leeds United do with a footballer who overcame early detractors to become a fan favourite during the magnificent Marcelo Bielsa era?
Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, speaking exclusively to Leeds United News, can certainly envision Harrison returning to his parent club and acting as an experienced utility man – ‘the new Stuart Dallas, maybe’ – for a club that could benefit from his versatility and Premier League nous once promotion is secured.
Bailey also feels Junior Firpo will leave Leeds after his contract ends in the summer.
Could Farke follow in Bielsa’s footsteps and change Harrison from a hard-running winger to a meticulous full-back, like Dallas has? Offsetting his deficiencies in the final third while capitalizing on his impressive work ethic and competitive streak?
“I would not rule it out in Leeds. “I don’t see [Junior] Firpo staying,” Bailey says. “I would not rule out Jack Harrison returning.
“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.”
Contract talks with Junior Firpo have yet to begin, according to Daniel Farke.
Harrison was rumored to join Fulham during the winter window, but no deal was made.
Much will depend on if Leeds receives any offers. And, if they do, how much are those interested parties ready to pay for a player nearing the age of 29 whose productivity has rarely been less impressive.
Junior Firpo, as previously indicated, is rumored to return to Spain with Real Betis. As a result, he reunited with old Leeds teammates Marc Roca and Diego Llorente in Andalusia.
Following Leeds’ victory over Watford on Tuesday, Farke confirmed that talks about the left-back’s future were still on hold.
“At the moment, there is no time to be distracted by contract talks,” he remarked. “Junior had a great start before a difficult stretch with injuries and suspensions.
“We don’t want to disrupt him as he finds his rhythm. There is no time to expend energy on individuals or what will happen in the next six months. We’ll have serious discussions when it’s time to do this.”
