Newcastle United have reportedly tabled a bid worth €40 million for Leeds United forward Jack Harrison.
According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle United are offering €40 million to secure the services of Leeds United attacker Jack Harrison in the 2022 summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old enjoyed stints at the Liverpool and Manchester United academies at the youth level before moving to the USA. It is beyond the Atlantic that he eventually made his mark at the senior level before returning to England with Manchester City in 2018.
But Harrison truly flourished when he joined Leeds United on loan. He spent three fruitful years at Elland Road before the deal was made permanent last summer. It proved to be an inspired decision as the player notched up ten goals and two assists, a tally bettered at the club only by Raphinha.
Harrison also scored some key goals towards the business end of the season that helped ensure Leeds’s survival from relegation from the Premier League. To call his contributions significant would be an understatement.
These performances have caught the attention of Newcastle United, who are looking to carve a niche for themselves in the top flight. The Magpies are now backed by Saudi Arabian owners and will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in securing domestic dominance.
Given the riches at their disposal, the Tyneside giants have had a rather muted transfer window. The focus appears to have been the defence as Newcastle’s three biggest signings are namely, Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman. With the rearguard secured, the focus appears to have shifted to the other end of the pitch.
Newcastle’s offer for Harrison is worth €40 million, but Leeds are holding out for €47 million. The onus is now on the Magpies to come up with an improved offer that can earn them the Whites’ nod.
Primarily a left-winger, Harrison is also capable of playing on the other flank. A good crosser, he is also a direct attacker who runs at the opposition with the ball at his feet. Add to it, his intelligence and one often sees the 25-year-old arrive at the right spot to slot the ball home. Having such capable runners from midfield will help Newcastle compensate for their lack of an infallible goalscorer.
Leeds, on the other hand, have enjoyed a busy summer that has seen them land several promising names. One of them is Luis Sinisterra who is an out-and-out left-winger. Should Harrison leave, the Whites might already have a player ready to take his place.
Harrison’s potential exit will see him join stalwarts Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha as those who exited the club this summer. With three key players being moved on and several new faces brought in, Jesse Marsch’s side appears to be in a phase of a complete overhaul. Should Newcastle cough up the cash, it remains to be seen how Leeds plan to reinvest back into the squad.