Marcelo Bielsa favourite's Leeds United transfer verdict as Jack Harrison exit talks continue
Leeds United remain in talks to send winger Jack Harrison out on loan.
One of Jack Harrison’s former Leeds United teammates has backed the out-of-favour winger to succeed in Serie A.
Leeds remain in talks to send Harrison on loan to Italian outfit Fiorentina, as reported by the YEP earlier this week. There is confidence a deal can be sealed this month and La Viola are expected to hold an option to make the transfer permanent, with reports of a clause worth around £8.6million.
Gaetano Berardi spent three years playing alongside Harrison at Elland Road, winning the 2019/20 Championship title under Marcelo Bielsa before a ninth-placed Premier League finish. The Swiss defender waved an emotional goodbye to Leeds in 2021 and after hanging up his boots two years later, moved into coaching.
Now in charge of the Under-19 side of Italian fourth-tier Pro Palazzolo, Berardi spoke with Florence-based radio station Radio FirenzeViola regarding his former Whites teammate. And the much-loved Leeds legend expects Harrison to make an impact if his loan move goes ahead.
"I have wonderful memories of Jack,” Berardi said. “I would be very happy to see him back in Italy. He could provide important support.
“In addition to being a skilled dribbling player, he is also an exemplary professional. Athletically, he is a ready player. Also, considering what the Premier League is like today, he could make the difference."
Harrison enjoyed some of the best form of his career alongside Berardi but has struggled since. The winger failed to reach double figures for goals and assists combined in either of his two loan seasons at Everton and is yet to contribute for Daniel Farke’s side.
Only one of Harrison’s 11 Premier League appearances have been from the start and having been handed a rare opportunity in Sunday’s 3-1 FA Cup third round win at Derby County, he failed to impress. The 29-year-old’s work-rate has never come into question but as an attacking player, end-product has been lacking.
Quizzed on Harrison’s recent lack of attacking contributions, Berardi said: "My explanation is that he's a very generous player who works hard defensively. By changing systems, he could find his way into attack as well."
Leeds United transfer latest as Jack Harrison talks continue
Should Harrison’s move to Fiorentina go through, he will become the second player to leave Leeds on loan this month. The YEP exclusively broke news of Harry Gray’s six-month switch to League One Rotherham this week, with confirmation coming on Wednesday afternoon.
Shortly before that confirmation, the YEP also reported on the imminent signing of 18-year-old Nigerian defender Leonard Ngenge. The Whites had a pre-contract agreement in place with the centre-back, who is set to confirm his move to West Yorkshire soon having appeared to be at Thorp Arch this week.
Ngenge is expected to join up with the Under-21s initially, with nothing imminent as far as first-team additions go. Leeds remain active in the January market and could progress ‘slow burning’ options if things fall into place, with attacking options still believed to be the priority as was the case over summer.