If you want to start an argument amongst Leeds United fans, just two words should suffice; ‘Jack Harrison’.
Four years since he arrived from Manchester City, initially on loan, one of Marcelo Bielsa’s most trusted foot soldiers still has as many cynics as he does ‘stans’. Yes, he’s scored 18 goals in the last two seasons. Yes, some have suggested that an England call-up is in the offing. And yes, there was a first ever career hat-trick against West Ham United. Not to mention a stoppage-time winner against Brentford that had experts all over London reaching for their seismometers.
But then there’s also the long spells of anonymity. Those far-too frequent afternoons when his crosses rebound harmlessly of the shins of a nearby full-back. An 8/10 Jack Harrison is a threat to any Premier League defence. Unfortunately, the former New York City flyer has as many Hyde days as he does Jekyll ones.
Jack Harrison out, Luis Sinisterra in at Leeds United?
Time will tell whether Luis Sinisterra proves to be an upgrade on the left-hand side. According to AD, Feyenoord’s 24-year-old Colombia international is closing in on an initial £18 million move to Elland Road. He will put pen to paper on a deal until the summer of 2027.
Understandably, Sinisterra has been talked about by the majority as a replacement for Raphinha. A quick glance at the statistics, however, will show you that Sinisterra did not play a single game on the right-hand side in 2021/22. His 23 goals and 14 assists in Feyenoord colours came when the blood-twisting, knot-tying wideman was cutting in from devastating effect from the left – the position Harrison has made his own at Leeds.
Sinisterra to set Leeds back £18m
Now, Sinisterra’s arrival does not automatically mean Harrison will follow Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips out the door. The Colombian has played on the right in the past. And, who knows, perhaps Marsch is thinking about re-deploying Harrison on the opposite flank.
But Newcastle’s interest in Harrison is well-documented. The Athletic point out that Newcastle would have triggered the release clause in his contract, only for Leeds to survive on a dramatic final day; With a helping hand from Eddie Howe’s men, of course. A ‘compromise’, the report adds, could be reached. Even if Newcastle and Leeds are currently a distance apart on their valuation of Harrison. According to The Telegraph, Leeds see the 25-year-old as a £30 million player.
Leeds’ interest in Sinisterra reportedly has no impact on their pursuit of the right-sided Charles de Ketelaere either.
Now, with Sinisterra on his way, Harrison may be glancing nervously over his shoulder. Leeds are not going to pay £18 million for a 24-goal forward with the intention of sticking him on the bench after all. And unless Marsch can find a way to get Sinisterra and Harrison in the same XI, there is a very real chance that Leeds will bid farewell to another of Bielsa’s boys before the sun sets on a frantic summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
