NafisaJack Harrison’s long and frustrating Leeds United chapter finally appears to be drawing to a close, with the winger now closing in on a permanent exit from Elland Road after three years of uncertainty.
Harrison was once one of Leeds United’s most important players under Marcelo Bielsa, playing a key role during the club’s memorable return to the Premier League. Across 219 appearances, the winger scored 34 goals and provided 32 assists, becoming a favourite among supporters during the club’s rise.
However, everything changed following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League in 2023.
Believing his future lay elsewhere, Harrison opted to leave Elland Road on loan rather than help the club fight for promotion back to the top flight. That decision proved to be the turning point in his Leeds career.
Permanent exit finally on the cards
After back-to-back loan spells with Everton failed to produce a permanent transfer, Harrison spent last season in Serie A with Fiorentina hoping to revive his career.
That move also failed to convince his temporary club to make the deal permanent.
Now, according to The Athletic, MLS side New England Revolution are close to finalising an agreement to sign Harrison on a permanent basis, bringing an end to one of Leeds’ longest-running transfer sagas.
The report adds that Harrison is expected to join the American club as one of their Designated Players, highlighting just how highly they value the former Leeds winger.
Why Harrison qualifies as a Designated Player
Under MLS rules, each club is allowed to register up to three Designated Players whose salaries and transfer costs can sit outside the league’s strict salary cap.
The rule was famously introduced in 2007 to allow LA Galaxy to sign David Beckham, opening the door for clubs to recruit high-profile players from Europe.
While Harrison does not arrive with Beckham’s global profile, his Premier League experience and previous success in MLS make him an attractive signing for New England Revolution.
The move also allows Leeds to finally remove one of the club’s highest earners from the wage bill after Harrison signed a five-year contract before departing on loan in 2023.
Leeds continue summer rebuild
For Daniel Farke and the 49ers ownership, Harrison’s departure represents another important step in reshaping the squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Rather than carrying expensive players who are no longer part of the manager’s plans, Leeds have begun clearing space for new arrivals while reducing the wage bill.
Players such as Max Wober and Isaac Schmidt are also expected to move on before the transfer window closes, while uncertainty remains over the futures of Largie Ramazani and Joe Gelhardt.
Those exits could provide Leeds with greater financial flexibility as they continue working on further signings.
Having already secured Harry Wilson and Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, the Whites remain heavily linked with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, a deal that could become the most expensive transfer in the club’s history.
With Harrison now finally edging towards a permanent exit after several years of loan moves, Leeds appear to be closing the door on one era while fully committing to Daniel Farke’s long-term rebuild at Elland Road.
Nafisa
