Everton are preparing to officially announce the signing of Leeds United winger Jack Harrison on a loan deal. The 26-year-old impressed during Leeds’ spell in the Premier League, however has found a way out of playing in the Championship at Goodison Park following the Whites’ relegation last season.
It’s understood that the Blues will obtain the Englishman on a temporary basis, however it’s expected that a deal will be made permanent via a release clause in his contract, should he impress on Merseyside.
🚨 Everton have signed Jack Harrison from Leeds United. 26yo midfielder agreed terms, underwent medical & has now put pen to paper on season-long loan that #EFC would like to make permanent in due course. Major target all summer landed @TheAthleticFC #LUFC https://t.co/HRh0Hn38eQ
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 13, 2023
The news comes as a slightly less unsurprising departure for Leeds, who are wading through the issue of having players wanting to depart Elland Road and fulfil their desire of playing at the top level of the game. Tyler Adams and Wilfried Gnonto are next on the list of most likely to depart Yorkshire, in what has been a trialling few months for the club.
Leeds’ misfortune has been Everton’s treasure, with Sean Dyche taking the alternate route to the White’s in securing the Toffee’s survival in the top-flight. The Blues have had their eye on a selection of wide players this summer, with the pending arrival of Harrison filling such a gap in the squad.
Despite undergoing his medical at Goodison over the weekend, there was late drama in the deal as fellow Premier League club Aston Villa eyed a swoop for the former Manchester City forward. It’s believed that the Villans turned away from the interest on the understanding of the 26-year-old’s current injury struggles, which are said to leave him out of action for another three to four weeks.
Aston Villa, not intentioned to proceed on Jack Harrison deal as they believe he’s injuried for some weeks and can’t replace Buendía (ACL injury). 🟣🔵
Everton are now prepared to close the deal after having player at the club earlier today for medical tests. 🔵⏳
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2023
The versatile winger, able to play on either side, contributed to a total of 37 goals during Leeds’ three-year stay in the Premier League, scoring 21 and assisting 16 to relay his importance at Elland Road and just what he could bring to Everton.
Harrison was praised by former Toffee’s boss Frank Lampard for his performances at Goodison Park as part of the opposition, with the former Chelsea legend dubbing him “one of the best wingers in the league”, back in 2022.
Everton are rumoured to be eyeing another wide-playing star in Yorkshire, with Italian sensation Gnonto also linked with a move to Merseyside, with speculation ongoing despite the capture of Harrison. The 19-year-old is refusing to play for Leeds in the bid to force a move, and has been a long-term player of interest for Dyche’s side this summer.
For now, the signing of the Englishman will undoubtedly bolster Everton’s hopes of adding more firepower to their attack, through a player with sufficient Premier League experience and strengths in the final third.
