THE VERDICT: Leeds united ace who recently left club was told how dangerous was the decision

Unnamed agent questions ‘bizarre’ Jack Harrison signing from Leeds United as Everton relegation verdict shared
Everton signing Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds United this summer was a “bizarre” transfer, an unnamed agent has told The Athletic.

The Toffees confirmed the arrival of Harrison on a season-long deal on 14 August, with the winger yet to feature due to a hip injury.

Everton took advantage of a loan clause in the player’s Leeds contract that allowed him to leave in the event of relegation from the Premier League.

In a poll of 20 agents for an article [14 September] covering a number of topics, Everton’s overall transfer activity was voted the joint-second worst alongside Wolves among Premier League clubs, attracting 20% of the votes each, with Chelsea coming out on ‘top’.

One agent is quoted by the online outlet as saying: “Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds – I do think he’s a good player, but it’s a bit bizarre that you’re loaning a player ‘up’. You’d think Everton would be buying.”

Another agent added that the Toffees’ summer business “smacks of relegation”.

Loophole

Bringing in Beto late in the transfer window gave Everton’s transfer activity a slightly more positive spin.

After all, it was a striker Sean Dyche had craved right from the moment the full-time whistle went on the final day of last season.

Arnaut Danjuma and Harrison will also provide something different in the final third, as will the untested Youssef Chermiti with time.

On the face of it, the fact Harrison was only signed on loan does seem strange. Remember, this is a player many felt was valued in excess of £20million.

But Everton cannot be criticised for finding a loophole in Harrison’s contract that effectively means they get him for free for now, his wages aside.

It does mean that the Englishman will technically be a Leeds player again at the end of the campaign, but the Toffees can decide at that point if they want to sign him permanently.

There was plenty to be frustrated about with regards to Everton’s transfer business in the summer, but this deal does not fit into that category.