Manchester City’s Jack Harrison Impresses at Leeds United

When Manchester City player Jack Harrison signed on loan for a second year at Championship team Leeds United, there was a mixed response from City fans.

Many Manchester City fans questioned why Harrison would want to return to the Leeds side for a second year running. Surely, they reasoned, wouldn’t his development by better secured by either securing a permanent move or fighting for a first team place at City?

But if there is one thing which is clear from the career trajectory of Harrison it is that he has not always opted to follow the easy route so far. He is willing to put in the miles – quite literally – to secure his aim of becoming the best footballer he can be.

Born in Stoke, Harrison first emerged as a youth player at Liverpool FC and later at the Manchester United academy but was released without securing terms. In search of his proper professional contract the young player, believing strongly in his own ability made a huge career move. He decided to move to the USA to pursue and develop his career.

More from Man City Square

• Rodri believes City can have even more success this season
• Grealish, Stones, and Kovacic will NOT play tomorrow
• My Manchester City UCL Group Stage predictions
• After Injury Guardiola is back in Etihad
• Phil Foden Scores Opener for England Against Scotland

After making that move he was picked up by Chicago Fire in the annual player draft and immediately joined the newly formed New York City club, where he had the opportunity to begin to hone his craft. This is relevant for two reasons. Firstly, he was brought through into the team by the then manager, Patrick Viera. Secondly, New York City is part of the umbrella of clubs operating under the City Football Group.

It was this rising to prominence within the City Football Group which alerted Manchester City to his talent and on 30 January 2018 he joined City in a permanent move for a fee of around £3.6 million. He was immediately loaned to Middlesbrough in the Championship but this loan did not go according to plan and Harrison found himself underutilised.

Last season he joined Leeds on loan under manager Marcelo Bielsa and made a total of 41 appearances, scoring 4 goals and assisting a further 4. Leeds fans appreciated the creative options demonstrated by Harrison on the left wing but were also frustrated by his ability to move in and out of games.

It was therefore a surprise to see Leeds United and Bielsa back in for him again this season. In order to allow this deal to happen, Harrison first had to extend his existing Manchester City deal and he then joined Leeds for another 12 months. This belief in Harrison has so far seemingly boosted his confidence and his early season performances are much improved.

So far in 2019/20 he has played 4 times – including a 12-minute cameo appearance in the EFL Cup game against Salford United. So, during these 4 games he has scored 1 goal already and had his name chanted by the Leeds fans as they chase the elusive promotion to the Premier League.

Apparently, should Leeds United achieve their ambition this year then they have an option to buy Harrison for an agreed fee of £15 million. This could yet prove to be a bargain if he is able to maintain this early season form.