Leeds United would lose nearly £5million from the sale of Jack Harrison if Newcastle United meet his £35million valuation, according to the Mirror, after it emerged a portion of the profits would go to Manchester City.
The 25-year-old signed on a permanent deal at Elland Road last summer after three seasons on-loan, with the Whites paying £11million and signing the winger on a three-year contract. But City inserted a sell-on clause within the deal, entitling them to 20% of the profits made from any future sale.
And now the Magpies are circling. Harrison has scored 16 goals and added nine assists in his two Premier League seasons, including Leeds’ first goal upon their return to the top-flight and the 94th-minute winner on the final day of last season at Brentford.
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Eddie Howe is said to be an admirer of the Englishman’s quality and is keen to turn to the winger after failing with European targets such as Moussa Diaby and Hugo Ekitike. Their interest has forced Leeds to place a £35million price-tag on one of their most creative players, but Newcastle may be inclined to meet that swiftly in order to add to their summer business.
Should they do so, then Leeds would have to forward £4.8million from the £24million profit made on the player to the Premier League champions, giving Leeds just over £30million to replace another prized asset. Leeds have already sold Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, bringing in a combined £100million, with worries among fans that the loss of another regular could damage the squad unity.
And those worries were compounded following Sunday morning’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in Australia, when Harrison responded to a question about him remaining in West Yorkshire in seemingly nervous fashion, just saying ‘we’ll see’. Whites boss Jesse Marsch was quick to stress the importance of his winger in the post-match press conference.
“Of course there’s always possibilities that big transfer offers come in and clubs then have to decide how it fits and what are the best options moving forward.” the Whites boss said after the Villa defeat. “But, for me, Jack Harrison is a big part of our plans moving forward and we’re counting on him this season, for sure.”
Leeds have until September 1 to finalise any incomings from across Europe, but Marsch will want all of his summer business done in plenty of time for the Premier League opener at home to Wolves on August 6. The club are already working hard to sign a new striker, while Junior Firpo’s lengthy absence has pushed Orta to eye a new left-back.
He, Marsch and Leeds fans could do without having another key player to replace.
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