Leeds United transfer blow after demanding £40m from Newcastle United - £6m deal now agreed
Premier League transfers: A former Newcastle United transfer target has left Leeds United once again.
Jack Harrison was once subject to a £24million transfer bid from Newcastle United that was rejected by Leeds United in 2022.
While The Magpies missed out on Harrison, Eddie Howe’s side moved on and were able to secure a fourth place finish in the Premier League that season. They later bolstered their wide options after missing out on Harrison, instead signing Anthony Gordon from Everton for £45million.
Although Gordon’s form has been called into question, overall, the move from The Toffees has proven a success with the winger contributing 30 goals and 27 assists in 134 appearances for the club.
Jack Harrison leaves Leeds United
Meanwhile, Harrison was relegated with Leeds and joined Everton on a two-season loan before returning to Elland Road last summer. The winger scored four goals in 63 Premier League appearances for The Toffees.
But after failing to impress at Leeds following their return to the Premier League, the 29-year-old has left on loan once again. Rather than stay in the Premier League, this time, Harrison has opted to join Serie A side Fiorentina.
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As per Sky Sports, the deal includes an option to buy clause of around £6million. This comes after Leeds were reportedly wanting £40million from Newcastle to land the winger in 2022.
Given Harrison’s career since the rejected bid from Newcastle, Leeds’ decision ultimately turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Magpies as well as a missed opportunity for the West Yorkshire club to cash in on a player while his stock was high.
Harrison came off the bench during Leeds’ 0-0 draw with Newcastle back in August but was an unused substitute for Daniel Farke’s side in the 4-3 thriller at St James’ Park earlier this month.
A fresh start for former NUFC target
After failing to score in 13 outings for Leeds so far this season, Harrison will be hoping for a fresh start in Italy as he looks to help Fiorentina climb away from the relegation zone.
The Serie A side are also competing in the Conference League having secured a spot in the knockout round play-offs. It’s the fourth successive Conference League Fiorentina have competed in having made the final in 2022/23 and 2023/24 before being knocked out at the semi-final stage last season.
No side has a better record in the recently established competition without winning it.