Leeds handed ‘big’ cash boost as Jack Harrison deal agreed – expert

Leeds United have a weight lifted off their shoulders by not having to contribute to Jack Harrison’s wages next season, says Paul Robinson.

Former Leeds goalkeeper Robinson, who is very well connected at his club, speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, explained that the club’s objective of meeting PSR guidelines by Sunday has been offered a significant boost by being absolved of paying Harrison next term.

Following the midfielder’s return to Goodison Park, Everton will pay 100% of Harrison’s salary for next season in exchange for Leeds not receiving a loan fee [The Athletic, 19 June].

Supporters at Elland Road are buoyed by the news of Harrison’s departure as Daniel Farke and his staff reassemble the squad, with Football Insider [20 June] revealing that many fans want to see Harrison gone permanently.

Leeds are attempting to offload several of those returning from loan in this pre-season, with only Brenden Aaronson set to be integrated back in after spending last term at Union Berlin.

Leeds United boosted by Jack Harrison news

Ex-Whites ‘keeper Robinson believes that Leeds United have pulled off an astute piece of business in removing Harrison’s wages off the books for a year, alongside his view on Aaronson’s potential return to Leeds’ plans.

“It’s another big wage off the bill for Leeds,” he said.

“People forget that FFP and PSR are not just about transfer fees, but wages as well.

“Aston Villa were a club who fell foul of it last season, when they gave Ollie Watkins his new contract.

“Leeds do have to look at balancing their wage bill as well as their numbers regarding transfer business.

“I think [Daniel Farke] said that Brenden Aaronson would be the only one of last season’s loan players who could come back into the side and be reintegrated into the squad.

“He did a decent job for them in the Championship; I thought he was lightweight in the Premier League.

“But he could be almost like a new signing for the manager to work with.”