📌 Latest Developments
MLS interest confirmed: In early March 2025, Leeds United held exploratory discussions with MLS clubs about a potential permanent transfer for Harrison. No formal offer had been made by the report’s time, but discussions are ongoing .
Leeds view: The club is clear that Harrison won’t be part of Daniel Farke’s squad next season, even if Leeds remain in the Premier League—signaling the club expects to move him on .
Everton decline: After two consecutive seasons with Everton on loan, the club has decided not to trigger a permanent transfer, leaving Harrison to return to Leeds at the end of the 2024–25 season .
- Contract & Financial Position
Long-term deal: Signed a 5½-year contract in early 2023, Harrison is contracted until summer 2028 .
High wages: With Premier League–level salary demands, Leeds are motivated to offload him to free up financial space .
MLS complexities: Any move stateside would require Harrison to occupy a Designated Player (DP) slot in MLS, which significantly limits roster spots .
- On-Field Performance
Everton struggles: Across the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, he made 63 Premier League appearances for Everton but scored only 4 goals (3 in 2023‑24, 1 in 2024‑25) and contributed few assists .
Leeds legacy: Previously played 206 matches for Leeds (190 club games plus loan spells), contributing 34 goals and 32 assists, though form has been described as “streaky”—alternating between “extremely effective” and “invisible” .
Fan sentiment: Across Leeds and Everton fan Reddit threads, sentiments range from calling him “streaky” and a “hard worker” to acknowledging inconsistency in final product .
- Tactical Positioning & Club Strategy
Farke’s winger hierarchy: Daniel Farke has reshaped the wing roles to focus on Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto, Largie Ramazani, and loan signing Manor Solomon—leaving little tactical room for Harrison .
Financial rationality: Chairman Paraag Marathe is enforcing austerity, pressing to reduce wages—Harrison, with three years left on his contract, is a high-cost casualty .
- Potential Destination Scenarios
a) Permanent Transfer (~£10m)
Leeds value Harrison at £10–11 million, matching the fee they paid previously .
Ideal outcome: a straight sale to an MLS team or European buyer, enabling Leeds to fully recover the contract investment.
b) Loan Move
If the sale stalls, a loan deal—with another club covering wages—remains a fallback.
Everton has declined, but other Championship or MLS clubs may still be viable.
c) Staying at Leeds
Least preferred by both parties. Reports suggest Leeds are open to considering him if no exit materializes, despite Farke’s apparent reluctance .
- Pre‑Season & Stockholm Tour Implications
Exclusion expected: Harrison is unlikely to join the squad in Stockholm for the pre-season friendly against Manchester United. Given Leeds’ push for a transfer, keeping him at Thorp Arch provides flexibility for late deals.
Training environment: If he remains, he’ll train separately or with fringe players to maintain fitness, but without integration into first-team squads—a clear indication he’s not part of Farke’s playing system.
- What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
- Official squad announcement for Stockholm friendly—Harrison’s absence would cement his marginalisation.
- MLS rumor developments —especially linking him to clubs like NYCFC, LAFC, or Inter Miami.
- Transfer activity by early August—Leeds must resolve his status before August 18, when they face Everton in their Premier League opener.
🔍 Comprehensive Timeline
Date Event
July 7, 2025 Harrison joins pre-season at Thorp Arch
Early March 2025 Exploratory MLS talks initiated
May 2025 Leeds clinch Championship, promoted to Premier League
Summer 2025 Harrison returns from Everton; Leeds push for exit via sale or loan
Late July–Aug 1 Deadline to resolve transfer before pre-season tour and squad finalization
Aug 18, 2025 Premier League season opener vs Everton – Harrison’s status must be clarified
🧩 Final Notes
Leeds’ plan: They want Harrison off the wage bill and out of Farke’s radar. Both sale and loan are viable, with conversations leaning toward MLS but no offer yet.
MLS complexity: The DP spot requirement and Harrison’s salary mean not every MLS club can sign him, but there is definite interest .
Fan perception: Leeds supporters are split—some would welcome his return for depth, others feel he burned his bridges by seeking loans after relegation .