Everton’s financial misconduct over the last decade has led them to become far more frugal in the market in recent years, with Kevin Thelwell handed the unenviable task of strengthening a relegation outfit on a shoestring budget.
Few expected there to be much movement at all in the summer just gone, but the 50-year-old worked veritable miracles to offload some less-important assets in order to bolster key areas.
The striker position had been an immense area of contention given Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s continued injury troubles, yet the Toffees managed to add Youssef Chermiti and Beto to offset that worry.
Then, with the use of some clever loans and a free transfer, Ashley Young, Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison offered some much-needed backup across the backline and out wide.
Of all who made the Goodison Park move, it is arguably the latter who has exhibited the greatest influence, having become a mainstay on the right flank under Sean Dyche.
However, Everton have now been dealt a fresh setback in their permanent pursuit of the 27-year-old, with Leeds Live penning the following notion: ‘LeedsLive understands there is no option-to-buy clause in Harrison’s loan agreement but Sean Dyche would be keen on making the deal permanent.’
This comes weeks after it was otherwise suggested that £30m would be enough to pry him from Elland Road for good, and days after the player’s mum was pictured in the away end celebrating their win over Burnley.
How good has Jack Harrison been for Everton?
It should come as no surprise that Dyche is keen to sign Harrison permanently, given how integral he is proving to a setup heavily reliant on a couple of hard-working wingers.
Willing to chase lost causes, as a tireless attacker who will give his all for the cause, the flyer is the archetypal Everton star. After all, journalist Joe Thomas would write the following in just his debut: ‘Jack Harrison showing no signs of rustiness at all here. He is relentless on his debut, giving Pau Torres nightmares in this first half.’
Although his form may have endured a somewhat patchy period, it is impossible to deny the quality he boasts, wrapped in an unrelenting 5 foot 9 frame.
As such, in the Premier League, his one goal and three assists perhaps belie the consistent creativity he peddles alongside a fine defensive work rate.
After all, he blends 1.2 key passes per game with an equally impressive 1.4 tackles and 5.2 ball recoveries per game, highlighting where he excels, and why Dyche wants him, via Sofascore.
Perhaps this summer might see Everton afforded more financial leeway, with Thelwell sure to be instructed to do all he can to tie Harrison down without breaking the bank. However, this new hurdle certainly will not aid that task.
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