Jack Harrison has rejoined Everton on loan from Leeds United for the 2024/25 season.
The 27-year-old forward returns to the Blues for the Club’s last-ever campaign at Goodison Park, having enjoyed a successful season-long loan with Sean Dyche’s side last term.
After making the temporary switch from Elland Road last August, Harrison became a regular in Dyche’s starting XI, making 35 appearances in all competitions following a delayed start due to a hip injury.
He scored his first Everton goal in early October with a stunning long-range strike in a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth at Goodison, and impressed with his blend of attacking and tireless work-rate to help the Blues make clear progress under Dyche.
Harrison, who becomes Everton’s second signing of the summer transfer window after the arrival of 20-year-old midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa, created 28 chances from open play in the Premier League in 2023/24, while the 29 dribbles he completed was the second highest in the Toffees squad.
Since making his top-flight debut in September 2020, only three players across the league have completed more successful open-play crosses than Harrison’s 69.
The winger told evertontv: “It’s brilliant to be back. Everton is a great club, there is a fantastic group of lads here and I’m excited to get started again with a full pre-season of training.
“Last year, I had a lot of enjoyment at the Club. We had to face a lot of adversity but we were able to continue on and have a good season overall.
“There are a lot of reasons for wanting to return to Everton. I think the Club in general – the fans, the staff, the manager, my teammates – everyone made me feel really comfortable right away and that’s somewhere you want to be as a player. It’s a great place to play football.
“The other thing is I know I have a lot more to offer. That’s extra motivation for me to go back and prove to myself and to Everton Football Club that I can do more on the pitch. This season I’ll be able to have a full pre-season and hopefully hit the ground running.”
Starting his professional career with New York City FC in 2016 as Major League Soccer’s number-one draft pick, Harrison signed for Manchester City two years later before loan spells with Middlesbrough and Leeds United.
He made the permanent switch to Elland Road in 2021, becoming Leeds’ most prolific dribbler and crosser during their time in the Premier League.
On the pride at being part of Everton’s final season at Goodison, and his own personal targets for the campaign, Harrison added: “It’s a great honour to be part of the last season at Goodison. It’s a club with a lot of history and you see how many fans have packed out the stadium for such a long time.
“I’m definitely excited. I always remember Goodison Park having a great atmosphere at games. Being part of it last year, especially moments like the win over Liverpool under the lights, the big win over Newcastle, as well – the atmosphere was bouncing and it’s such a pleasure to be part of that. The last season at Goodison Park has to be a special one for everybody and we’ll definitely be wanting to make the most of those games like last year and create more memories.
“We can take confidence from last season but I think there’s a lot we can improve upon, as well. I know defensively we were very sound last season, but on the attacking end I want to be able to add more to the team and improve my numbers with goals and assists.
“I’m currently in Miami doing off-season training and gym sessions to get myself in the best possible shape. I’m really excited to get back with the squad and hopefully have a great last year at Goodison Park.”
After securing Harrison’s services for another season, Everton manager Dyche said: “We’re pleased Jack will be returning to our squad and look forward to working with him again.
“He made an important contribution to the progress we made last term, both in terms of our attacking output and the defensive steel throughout the team, while his work ethic and willingness to put in the hard yards matches what we expect from our players.”
Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, added: “Bringing Jack back to Everton was one of our priorities this summer so it is a boost to have been able to agree his season-long loan early in the transfer window.
“You saw last season the qualities he brings to our team and the role he played in the strides we made under Sean and his coaching staff.
“Jack was eager to return to Everton, which speaks volumes about how much he enjoys being part of this club, and we are looking forward to him helping us to progress in the season ahead.”
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