The transfer window is over, and it ends with Newcastle United failing to sign Jack Harrison.
The Leeds United winger was a major target for the Magpies, seemingly identified as a top player of interest after Moussa Diaby proved to be unattainable.
But the same happened with Harrison, who ends the summer at Elland Road. That’s where he will stay until at least January.
It’s a shame he didn’t come to Newcastle, as someone like him is arguably the missing piece of the jigsaw. Eddie Howe is perhaps a winger light of having a perfect transfer window, and Harrison would have been a welcome addition.
But despite multiple bids being made by the Toon hierarchy, Leeds stood firm and kept their man. But why did the Magpies make a move for the 25-year-old?
Howe pushed for Harrison after transfer encouragement
According to the Athletic, Newcastle received encouragement that Harrison would move to St James’ Park. He was ‘deemed achievable’, unlike other targets Kalvin Phillips and Raphina.
The Athletic add that the Magpies had two offers rejected for the former MLS ace, with the second being worth less than £25million. It had been initially reported that Leeds wanted as much as £35million for their man.
Howe reportedly pushed to sign Harrison on more than one occasion, but didn’t get his man. Now only time will tell if the club rue not pushing the boat out to get him in.
Harrison has enjoyed a strong start to the season
Newcastle’s disappointment at not getting Harrison will have been further compounded by his bright start to the new season.
He has been pivotal in Jesse Marsch’s side starting the campaign well. After five games, he’s got one goal and an assist. One assist came against Chelsea, and it was described as ‘absolutely magnificent‘ by pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Those goal contributions would have been very welcome at St James’ Park, and would have made us a much more dangerous prospect.
For all the endeavour of Miguel Almiron, he needs to score and create more goals. As for Ryan Fraser, his fitness record speaks for itself.
Harrison would have been a huge improvement. He’s tactically aware enough to play in an Eddie Howe team as he previously proved under Marcelo Bielsa, and he has cutting edge in the final third.
But in the end, Newcastle were priced out of a move. Leeds did not want to lose one of their star players, and it’s easy to understand why.
However, Howe and co were reportedly made to believe that they could sign Harrison. So either they were misled or the club simply didn’t offer a lucrative enough package to Leeds.