Why Leeds signing Jack Harrison permanently would be a smart move

According to Football Insider (h/t Daily Mail), Leeds United are preparing to sign Jack Harrison permanently from Manchester City and are ready to pay over £10m if they get promoted to the top flight.

However, they could face tough competition as Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Brighton and Newcastle United have been keeping close tabs on the winger, as per the report.

Harrison, 23, who came through Manchester United and Manhattan Soccer Club’s youth ranks, signed for Manchester City in 2018. Since then, he has been on loan spells with Middlesbrough and Leeds United.

During his time at New York City FC, he scored 14 goals in 61 appearances and also provided 10 assists. His impressive performances earned him a move to England with Manchester City. And he has developed into a fine player at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa this season.

Meanwhile, the Peacocks have been brilliant under the Argentine’s guidance but three losses in their last four league games have seen them fall to the second place, a point below fellow-promotion chasers West Brom.

One of the chief reasons behind their success has been the attacking unit, which has plundered 46 goals throughout the campaign. And star striker Patrick Bamford has been clinical for United, scoring 12 of them.

Apart from that, Manchester City loanee Jack Harrison has been brilliant as well. He has scored 5 goals and provided 6 assists while featuring in all the games so far.

According to Whoscored, the 23-year-old has registered an average of 1.6 shots, 1.9 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game this season. That is better than last campaign’s 1.2 shots, one key pass and 0.8 dribbles per game.

Verdict

Harrison has been a crucial member of the squad and Leeds have benefitted from his services – as evident from the numbers.

Therefore, Leeds United have to move quickly to snap him up permanently once the summer transfer window commences.