According to The Athletic, the San Francisco 49ers reportedly had a big say in the decision to keep Jack Harrison at Leeds United on transfer deadline day.
The Athletic reported that Leeds were set to sell the winger to Leicester City, with Harrison even travelling for a medical, but the plug was pulled at the late in the day by the club’s transfer committee, in which the 49ers have a significant influence.
The 49ers are reportedly keen to avoid any decisions that could potentially affect the valuation of the club, as a full buyout of is expected in the coming months.
As such, they want to ensure that the right decisions are being made in regards to transfers and in other key areas.
Harrison has been a key player for Leeds throughout both the Bielsa and Marsch eras, and the 49ers really weren’t sold on the idea of selling such a vital component in their squad.
The decision to keep Harrison won’t have been easy to make. Leeds were set to pocket around £20m for the player in January, and with his contract set to expire in 18 months’ time, his value is only likely to decrease from this point.
Leeds are currently in a precarious position, sitting just one point above the relegation zone in 17th place. The club has been underperforming this season, and there is a real chance that they could go down.
For now, Harrison remains a Leeds player, and as a player that the 49ers seemingly value very highly, perhaps there will be a concerted effort to get him tied down to a new contract in the summer if and when a full takeover by the American group happens.
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