Three reasons why loan signing Jack Harrison could be deadly for Leeds

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Leeds United have swooped to seal another signing before the Championship kicks off this weekend by agreeing a loan deal to take Manchester City’s Jack Harrison on loan for the 2018/19 season.

The 21-year-old winger was impressive in the United States at New York City but failed to make much of an impact during a short spell at Middlesbrough last season.

Despite that failure in the north-east, here are three reasons why he could be a hit at Elland Road…

He’s a winger who scores goals

With ten goals for New York City during his spell in Major League Soccer, Harrison certainly knows where the net is and showed as much with some fine finishing when provided with the opportunity, cutting in from out wide and proving to have a deadly finish on him.

Leeds lacked goals from midfield last season with only five from midfield and, other than Pablo Hernandez, the next highest scoring winger on just two goals for the campaign. A goalscoring contribution from this loanee could prove decisive.

“I spoke with Pep Guardiola about Marcelo Bielsa and he had a lot of encouraging words and a lot of Pep’s ideas and philosophies are built around some of the same ones here as well, so obviously those similarities are helpful. I am a winger, I like to go forward and attack, score goal and try to assist as many as I can as well, so I am looking forward to doing that as much as possible whilst I am here.”

He can’t wait to get started at Elland Road.

He could link up with ex-team-mate Patrick Bamford

Harrison’s loan spell at Middlesbrough was nowhere near as successful as was hoped with just limited game time all coming from the bench, but he did line up alongside Patrick Bamford and trained with the former Chelsea youngster in training every day during his spell at Riverside.

The Guardian say that a deal is close for the striker after he underwent a medical on Monday and having an initial link could help both to settle. Harrison may well turn provider for Bamford and will look to provide him with plenty of service.

He’s got superb technical ability

Key to both Pep Guardiola and Marcelo Bielsa’s styles, Harrison possesses impressive technical ability. A good passer and with neat footwork, he has the natural ability and skill to succeed both at Leeds and even at Manchester City.

Adapting the rest of his game, providing strength and developing consistency will be fundamental to the youngster making this loan move a success in the Championship and earning a shot at the Etihad.