When Jack Harrison joined Leeds United on loan last summer, not many supporters would have predicted that he would play a crucial role in helping the club battle it out for automatic promotion.
In fact, bringing the winger in from Manchester City may have been considered quite a risky move to make considering that the 22-year-old had failed to make a positive impression at Middlesbrough last season.
Taking a different route to professional football in comparison to the majority of English players, Harrison nurtured his talents in the United States before catching the eye of Pep Guardiola whilst playing for Major League Soccer side New York City.
A move to Manchester was confirmed in 2017 yet due to the immense level of competition in his position at the Etihad Stadium, he decided to move to Elland Road in search for regular first-team action.
With the Whites announcing the signing of the winger on Twitter in July, these supporters reacted excitedly at the news.
Going up as champions
— Ashley Weatherill (@AshWeatherill1) July 30, 2018
Welcome to #lufc all I ask is that you play good & play with pride when wearing the Leeds shirt, good luck & once again welcome to #lufc
— Nikk Burrow (@LuGzV1) July 30, 2018
Yesss!
— LUFC Fan (@rumours_lufc) July 30, 2018
Won the league
— Russell (@russell247x) July 30, 2018
Welcome to Leeds Jack
— rob cartwright (@robcartwright6) July 30, 2018
Good business for both clubs and player. He will get vital playing time in a team that I top to win the league next season
— cool&thegangs (@coolandthegangs) July 31, 2018
Warm welcome to Leeds United…….so excited to see you in a Leeds shirt Jack.
— Alvin Clarke (@AlvinClarke04) July 30, 2018
He looks delighted to be fair! Heard good things about this kid!
— Chris Shaw (@mr_shaw78) July 30, 2018
Harrison made an encouraging start to life in West Yorkshire and scored his first goal for his new side in a 1-1 draw at Millwall in September. Since this strike, he has added another three to his tally for the season with his most recent being extremely important in terms of aiding Leeds’ promotion hopes.
With last Saturday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday heading towards a stalemate, Harrison provided the all-important breakthrough for the Whites which put them three points clear of their nearest challengers Sheffield United.
If the midfielder can continue producing outstanding levels of consistency for Marcelo Bielsa’s side between now and the end of the season, he could force his manager into making a decision in regards to his future.
Promotion to the Premier League for Leeds will provide the club with the necessary funds needed to bring the City-loanee to Elland Road on a permanent deal and when you consider just how well he has played this season, surely it will be a no-brainer to try and bring him back to the club on permanent deal in the summer.
Whites fans, what were your thoughts when Harrison initially signed? Join the discussion by commenting below.
