Jack Harrison suffered a difficult afternoon during Leeds United’s 3–1 FA Cup win over Derby County earlier this month, a performance that could turn out to be his last in a Leeds shirt.
Daniel Farke chose to reintegrate Harrison last summer following his two-year loan spell at Everton, despite widespread calls from supporters for the winger to be moved on.
Since then, opportunities were limited, with Harrison failing to register any significant Premier League minutes since November and spending much of recent months on the sidelines.
Leeds and Fiorentina were in talks for Harrison to move to Italy on a loan deal with an option to buy. The deal was finalised and announced on Monday as the winger linked up with his new teammates in Florence.
Leeds United fans have poured more scorn towards Jack Harrison after his departure
Farke’s decision to reintegrate Harrison last summer was not popular. Leeds supporters never really got over the fact that the winger left as soon as the team were relegated in 2023 and showed no willingness to return until Everton decided against signing him on a permanent deal.
His performances this season were not good enough to turn opinions towards his favour again, and the loan departure has attracted similar feelings from fans.
Harrison could still return to Leeds if Fiorentina do not sign him on a permanent deal. However, the supporters do not want him back at the club.
However, it could be a similar story to last year, even though they are hoping they have seen him in a Leeds shirt for the last time.
One supporter said, “Don’t come back, Jack ‘I want to be anywhere but Leeds’ Harrison.”
Another fan added, “He’ll be back in July with his tail between his legs again, sad face because Yorkshire is the last place in the world he wants to be.
“The feeling is mutual, pity his contract runs until 2027.”
Leeds compromised on the final fee
The Whites initially pushed to extract a higher fee of around £9m to £10m from Harrison’s potential exit, but were ultimately forced to settle on a more realistic valuation.
Harrison has struggled for form for more than a couple of seasons, with his output as a winger falling well below expectations. Had Fiorentina agreed to a significantly higher option-to-buy clause, it would have all but ruled out the possibility of a permanent move.
| Statistic (per 90) | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Non-penalty goals | 0.06 | 6 |
| npxG (non-penalty xG) | 0.10 | 7 |
| Shots total | 1.28 | 5 |
| Assists | 0.00 | 3 |
| xAG (expected assisted goals) | 0.15 | 31 |
| npxG + xAG | 0.25 | 5 |
| Shot-creating actions | 2.62 | 14 |
A fee just north of £6m is far more sensible for the 29-year-old, and there is now a genuine chance the clause will be triggered if Fiorentina remain in Serie A next season.
For Leeds, moving Harrison on permanently next summer is a priority, and accepting a lower figure increases the likelihood that he will not be returning to Elland Road.
