The key factor’: Journalist now shares chances of club signing Leeds loanee permanently
Liverpool Echo journalist Joe Thomas says a lot of work needs to be done for Everton to sign Jack Harrison from Leeds United permanently.
Thomas was speaking to Leeds Live about Everton’s chances of signing Harrison on a permanent deal having moved to Goodison Park on a season-long-loan in August.
Harrison was one of eight members of last season’s first team squad to leave Leeds on loan in the summer, taking advantage of a clause that became active in his contract.
An official option-to-buy was not included as part of the deal, though the Athletic’s David Ornstein did suggest Everton would look to make it permanent in due course.
Given Everton’s financial situation, it is not as easy as that, though 777 Partners are in the process of completing a takeover of the club, which could potentially help.
Thomas assesses Everton’s chances of Harrison permanent deal
That said, Everton’s current financial ‘uncertainty’, and the potential of Leeds returning to the Premier League, means there is still yet plenty of factors which could prevent a permanent deal.
He said: “A lot of water needs to pass under the bridge before this can be considered. Everton could end up in a relegation fight this season and the club’s finances are problematic with uncertainty about whether they will stabilise over the course of the season.
“It is already clear Harrison is a Dyche player though. The key factor may well be whether Leeds United get promoted this season or not. A return to the Premier League would strengthen the club’s financial position and that is unlikely to help Everton.”
It would be interesting to see how Leeds approach Harrison’s future if they are promoted, as it is only in April that he penned a new five-year-deal.
Like Thomas said, Leeds returning to the Premier League would really strengthen their hand financially and considerably reduced their need to sell, compared to in the Championship.
On the other hand, there is certainly a section of Leeds supporters who would not welcome Harrison back after his summer loan exit, and so a permanent exit could be best for all parties.
