As Mateusz Klich said his goodbyes to the Leeds United supporters following last week’s 2-2 Premier League draw with West Ham United at a sodden Elland Road, it felt like more than merely the departure of a long-serving player.
Slowly but surely, brick by brick, the house that Marcelo Bielsa built is being dismantled. Kalvin Phillips, Gianni Alioski, Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi – key cogs in Bielsa’s Championship-winning machine – have already rode off into the sunset.
Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling are no longer first-choice picks either. Adam Forshaw also appears to be on borrowed time. Klich’s impending switch to MLS outfit DC United, then, had a real ‘closing of a chapter’ sort of feeling. Another step closer to the end of a glorious era in Leeds’ otherwise tumultuous modern history.
Klich, like Forshaw, Ayling, Cooper and Alioski, slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of high-profile new recruits. And, with Leeds closing in on a potential club-record deal for Hoffenheim’s Georginio Rutter, it’s tempting to wonder if the same fate could befall another player who’s role in that eminent 2019/20 season will never be forgotten.
Leeds United are closing in on Bundesliga star Georginio Rutter
Form, as they say, is merely temporary. Jack Harrison has proven on numerous occasions over the years that his class is most certainly permanent; making a habit out of silencing the critics. But, with Wilfried Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra and Crycensio Summerville now vying for his place – and with Rutter incoming – Harrison’s place at Elland Road has never looked more uncertain.
With four, the former Man City youngster remains the most prolific assister in Marsch’s squad. Those numbers paper over the cracks however; his performances dipping noticeably in recent months. Both Gnonto and Summerville continue to overshadow and outperform Harrison. Sinisterra too, when fit. If you were to ask Leeds supporters to name their dream XI, Harrison would be absent from many if not most.
Rutter, who could cost up to £35 million, arrives to provide some much-needed support for the injury-stricken Patrick Bamford. But his searing pace and eye-catching dribbling ability means the 20-year-old Frenchman – like Gnonto – could be more effective in a wider role.
Is it time for Leeds to sell Jack Harrison?
“Georginio’s development over the last year with us has been breathtaking,” beams Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen.
“He’s one of the most promising young players in European football. Despite his young age, he already has an unbelievable blend of athleticism, technique, speed and an eye for goal.”
According to the Northern Echo, long-time admirers Newcastle United remain keen on Harrison, despite seeing two bids rejected by Leeds over the summer. An improved offer of £35 million, however, may be enough to twist the arm, particularly if Rutter does to Harrison what Rasmus Kristiansen did to Ayling or if Marc Roca did to Mateusz Klich (Daily Mail).
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