Harrison breaks Leeds United silence in message to support with Ayling, Klich and Bamford replies
Jack Harrison has ended five consecutive years at Leeds United with a loan to Everton in the Premier League and signed off with a message to fans that drew responses from his team-mates
Results at Leeds United will be followed closely by outgoing winger Jack Harrison, who has thanked supporters for their backing across five years with the club. The former Manchester City loanee has agreed to a season-long deal with Everton in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old would have three consecutive loan spells from Etihad Stadium before signing a permanent contract in 2021 under Marcelo Bielsa. Two years on, the Whites are back in the second tier and Harrison departs after 206 appearances across five years, which underlines how little he has been unavailable for his bosses.
That tally puts Harrison ahead of the likes of Brian Deane and Terry Yorath in the all-time appearance charts, and only a little behind Tony Dorigo and Luciano Becchio. Between December 2018 and February 2021 would start 98 of the club’s 100 league games under Bielsa, only missing the promotion hangover at Derby County and the clash with parent club City.
In a message on Instagram, Harrison said: “Thank you, Leeds United fans. We have shared so many amazing memories over the last five years.
“I will keep an eye on the results and wish you nothing, but the best for the season ahead. Always MOT.”
Harrison’s United team-mates were quick to respond with their own messages to him. Luke Ayling said: “Gave your all for this club for five years. Gutted to see you go, mate.”
Patrick Bamford, who first arrived in the same summer as Harrison, said: “Good luck buddy, do your thing.” Meanwhile, Junior Firpo said: “Will miss you, Superman! Best work ethic I’ve ever seen.”
Mateusz Klich, one of the few players to match Harrison for consistency of starts under Bielsa, said: “Jacky boy! Good luck, dude.”
