da doce: This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
da realbet: Leeds United have relied heavily on loanees this season, but next summer represents a chance for the Whites to make some of those moves permanent.
The Yorkshire club are already tied into a deal that will see them pay £15m for Helder Costa at the end of this season, while they also have an option to buy Jack Harrison at the end of the campaign.
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It’s unknown how much United’s option to buy the winger will cost them, but Phil Hay has suggested that Harrison could be available for around the £10m mark.
This is a deal that Leeds simply have to do, no matter whether they go up or not.
Of course, if they are promoted the financial aspects of the deal won’t be a problem, but even if they don’t it’s a signing they should look at making, even with their limited room for spending in regards to FFP.
Ok, FFP may not allow the Whites to outlay £10m on one player this summer as they’re already committed to spending £15m on Costa, but there is a small loophole that Leeds could benefit from.
The higher-ups at Leeds could do worse than following Wolves’ example from a few seasons ago when they triggered Benik Afobe’s option to buy, only to sell him a few days later for a profit.
If Harrison is indeed available for the price Hay mentions, Leeds would be foolish to not trigger his option to buy, even if they just sell him on.
Man City valued the 23-year-old at £10m coming off the back of a season where he contributed to just eight league goals, and that value is likely to have increased as he’s contributed to that many efforts in just his last 11 games, scoring four goals in total this term.
It’s not too far-fetched to say that the winger’s actual value could be well north of Leeds’ current reserve price if he continues the form he has been showing in recent weeks.
If Harrison keeps up his good form, Leeds simply must trigger this clause, regardless of whether it’s financially viable for them to keep him or not.
In other news, one Leeds man has openly criticised a Championship referee on social media.