Jack Harrison’s second loan spell at Everton has proven to be a challenging one, with the 28-year-old winger struggling to find his best form under manager Sean Dyche. Harrison, who was one of the eight players to take advantage of the relegation clause in his contract after Leeds United’s drop to the Championship in the summer of 2023, returned to Everton on a season-long loan following his successful first stint there. During the 2023-24 season, Harrison contributed to seven goals in 33 appearances for the Toffees, showing glimpses of his talent. However, this time around, Harrison has failed to make a significant impact, with no goals or assists to his name in the current campaign.

Everton fans, who were initially hopeful for Harrison’s continued contribution, are starting to grow impatient with the winger’s lack of output. Despite starting regularly under Dyche, Harrison’s form has been far from inspiring, and the frustration among the supporters is growing. His missed opportunity in the game against Chelsea further fueled discontent, and many fans are now calling for his loan to be terminated. Unfortunately for Harrison, Leeds United reportedly do not have an option to recall him, leaving Everton with the final say on his future. While the possibility of recalling Harrison is off the table for Leeds, there is always the chance that Everton could decide to cut his loan spell short, particularly if they feel that his performances are not up to the required standard.

To make matters worse for Harrison, reports have emerged that Everton are in talks to sign Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa. If these negotiations are successful, it could add yet another player to the already competitive forward line at Goodison Park. With players like Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye, and Jasper Lindstrom already competing for places, Harrison’s prospects of regaining a starting role could become even slimmer. The increasing competition for spots in Everton’s attack could push Harrison further down the pecking order, especially if Philogene joins on a permanent basis, as the reports suggest.

Adding another layer of uncertainty for Harrison is the ongoing changes at Everton following their £400m takeover by The Friedkin Group, the same owners of AS Roma. With the club now under new ownership, the focus may shift toward making bigger moves in the transfer market, potentially leaving players like Harrison to battle for their place amid an influx of new talent. The takeover could signal a shift in strategy and priorities, meaning Harrison may not be a top priority for the club moving forward.

While Harrison’s immediate future at Everton is uncertain, there could be a potential silver lining if Leeds United secures promotion back to the Premier League. With a contract at Leeds until 2028, Harrison’s long-term future at the club remains open-ended, and a return to Elland Road could be on the cards if the team wins promotion. This would not be unprecedented, as Leeds recently saw players like Max Wober and Brenden Aaronson rejoin after stints elsewhere. However, the likelihood of such a move is still uncertain, and with Harrison’s current struggles, his potential return to Leeds is far from guaranteed. Nonetheless, the possibility remains on the table, and with the right circumstances, Harrison could find himself back at Leeds, where his Premier League journey started.

For now, though, Harrison faces an uphill battle to turn around his fortunes at Everton, and the added competition for spots in the team, along with the changing dynamics at the club, only make the task more challenging. His struggles this season could have long-term implications for his career, and it will be interesting to see how his situation develops over the coming months.