Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish believes that other clubs were keen on signing Jack Harrison prior to his permanent move to Leeds United.
The Lowdown: Harrison signs permanently for Leeds
Harrison has been a huge player for the Whites, scoring 18 goals and registering 20 assists in 128 appearances and thriving under the management of Marcelo Bielsa.
The 24-year-old has now joined Leeds on a permanent deal reportedly worth £11m, having spent the previous three seasons on loan at Elland Road, coming as a huge boost to the Yorkshire club.
The Latest: McLeish makes claim
Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish claimed that other clubs would have been interested in acquiring Harrison’s services, such is his quality. The 62-year-old said:
“It is outrageous money when you think about it back in my day. In this modern-day, it is a great signing. He’s been a great player for Leeds, no doubt about it.
“The fact that Leeds stayed in the Premier League in a very, very comfortable position, kind of emphasises that.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt other clubs would have been looking at him because he’s had a great season.
“I think he could slot in most of the teams in the Premier League. If not the top two but possibly everyone else.”
The Verdict: Superb signing for Whites
It was vital that Leeds signed Harrison permanently given the influence he has had at Elland Road, having being hailed as ‘brilliant’ by former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson in the past.
Only Patrick Bamford (17) scored more than his eight goals in the Premier League for Leeds last season and his pace on the counterattack and impressive work rate have been key to the Whites’ success.
The hope is that Harrison will continue to mature as a player in the coming years, becoming even more of a hero at Elland Road.
In other news, a key update has been provided on Leeds’ pursuit of one player this summer. Find out who it is here.
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