Jack Harrison endured a difficult afternoon in Leeds United’s 3–1 FA Cup victory over Derby County on Sunday, a display that may ultimately prove to be his last appearance for the club.
Daniel Farke opted to bring Harrison back into the fold last summer after his two-year loan spell at Everton, despite widespread calls from supporters for him to be moved on.
Since then, chances have been limited. The winger has not played a meaningful role in the Premier League since November and has spent much of the past few months confined to the substitutes’ bench.
Now, Leeds appear ready to part ways, with Harrison no longer viewed as a central figure in the squad. Fiorentina are believed to be in discussions over a potential deal, and Gianluca Di Marzio has provided a key update on the situation.
Leeds and Fiorentina are still trying to solve one Jack Harrison issue
There were early claims that Leeds and Fiorentina had already reached an agreement over a deal that would see Harrison move to Italy on loan with an option to buy around the £9m figure.
However, it emerged on Wednesday that Leeds are holding out for more money and are pushing for an obligatory purchase option.
However, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, an agreement has now been reached between the two clubs regarding a loan deal with an option to buy.
The Italian club have managed to convince Leeds to step down from their demands and agree to loan out Harrison under more suitable financial conditions.
But it has been claimed that an agreement has not been finalised yet, as Fiorentina and Leeds are yet to reach an arrangement over his wages.
Harrison is on a contract worth more than £100,000 per week, and the Italian club would want the Whites to subsidise his salary considerably.
The winger may well be asked to take a pay cut if he wants to move to Italy in the ongoing transfer window.
The deal may hinge on Harrison’s willingness to leave Leeds
Harrison’s wages were always going to be an issue in Leeds’ attempt to offload him. He is one of the highest-paid players at Elland Road despite his limited squad role.
Fiorentina are keen to take him to Italy to aid their bid to survive in Serie A. However, they are never going to agree to pay his full salary during the loan stint.
Harrison is on a contract worth up to £112,000 per week at Leeds, and Fiorentina’s highest-paid player is Moise Kean, who is on a deal worth just more than £96,000 per week.
| Player | Weekly wage | Base salary (annual) | Bonuses | Total annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moise Kean | £96,188 | £5,001,768 | £329,406 | £5,331,174 |
| David de Gea | £92,687 | £4,819,728 | £1,204,932 | £6,024,660 |
| Robin Gosens | £61,680 | £3,207,373 | £806,178 | £4,013,551 |
| Edin Dzeko | £55,512 | £2,886,636 | £320,737 | £3,207,373 |
| Nicolo Fagioli | £55,512 | £2,886,636 | £719,492 | £3,606,128 |
The Italian club are in no mood to turn the Leeds winger into their top earner, and the Whites would have to agree to pay a considerable portion of his wages.
The deal could also get over the line if Harrison agrees to take a pay cut, which could depend on how much he is willing to leave Leeds in January.
