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Jack Harrison is keen to secure his future at Everton and not make a planned return to Leeds United this summer. Currently in his second loan spell with the Blues from Elland Road, he’s one of several senior players whose futures will be under scrutiny as the season draws to a close.
Despite a challenging campaign so far at Goodison Park, Harrison believes his performances are on the up and he has a strong desire to contribute to the club’s progress in the coming years, making clear his desire to stay at the club.
Last season, Harrison was a pivotal player for Everton, earning the trust of manager Sean Dyche after the club took advantage of a clause in his contract that allowed them to sign him from Leeds United following their relegation to the Championship.
Following Leeds’ play-off final loss to Southampton last summer, Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell exercised the same option to ensure Harrison’s return.
However, this season has proven difficult for the 28-year-old, who lost his starting position to Jesper Lindstrom and has so far only scored one goal without any assists to his name, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Reflecting on his recent challenges, the player conceded in a chat with club media: “On a personal level it’s been difficult and frustrating so far this season because I always want to be at my best and when you’re doing absolutely everything you can but it’s still not coming off, that can be really frustrating for everyone, myself and the fans… It’s been the first period of my career, really, where I’ve not really been scoring any goals or contributing to the team as much as I’m used to doing.”
He continued, explaining his approach to overcoming obstacles: ”
So I’ve been trying to understand those frustrations and trying to do something about it in different ways.
I’m the type of player to always keep fighting, always keep trying to find ways to navigate through tough situations, and, ultimately, I know I’ll come out on the other side.”
David Moyes, who had previously shown interest in Harrison before re-joining Everton earlier this year, was met with a player struggling with self-belief.
Yet, one of Moyes’ unspoken strategies has been to revitalise Harrison, a commitment showcased by their targeted training drills during a recent Abu Dhabi training camp.
That investment is starting to pay dividends; increased playing time, fuelled in part by injuries to teammates such as Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil, has seen Harrison slowly return to form, culminating in a pivotal goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers – his first of the season after the team’s Gulf trip.
Harrison stated: “I came out of the team and I just needed to take a step back and think, OK, what do I really need to do to get back in the team at this point?
And then, it’s unfortunate, but we’ve had a lot of injuries, which has given me the opportunity to play again, and I’ve just tried to take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of it.
“I know there’s still a long way I can go. I think the manager has offered a bit more detail in terms of what he wants from players, so it’s good to get some of that clarity.
I’m feeling in a good moment and a lot of it is down to the manager while some of it is myself doing some things off the pitch and then teammates as well.”
Harrison is feeling the benefits of increased game time under Moyes, growing in confidence with every match.
Although his loan at Everton doesn’t include an option for a permanent transfer, there’s a sense that Leeds might be open to negotiations after his two-year absence, especially as they look set to climb up from the Championship.
Interest in Harrison isn’t limited to the UK; MLS teams are also keeping tabs on him. Moyes has laid down the gauntlet for Harrison and fellow loanee Jesper Lindstrom, demanding more goals and assists if they’re eyeing permanent spots amidst Everton’s expected summer shake-up.
The ex-New York City ace, who earned two caps for England U21s stateside, is aiming high: “I always have confidence in my ability, so it’s just being able to show it and being able to put it on the pitch.
When it comes to belief in myself, I know I can achieve a lot more.
I have a lot of ambitions, even now. Some people might say, you’re maybe getting on a bit in your career, or something, but I still have a goal, I’ve always had, that is to get into the England squad and be part of a top team in the Premier League, and hopefully I can do that with Everton.
“I think with new ownership, new manager, and going to an amazing new stadium next season, this is somewhere I want to be.
It would be exciting to be part of a bigger picture and help a club get from where we have been for the past couple of years to fighting for European football again, and then even more in the way of silverware.
“With the size of Everton and this fan base, with how passionate they are, there’s no reason why the club can’t achieve that, and who wouldn’t want to be part of it?”.
