In the space of a few weeks, Leeds United loanee Jack Harrison has witnessed endless ups and downs at Fiorentina.
The attacker joined the Italian side on a loan deal late in January. The transfer was covered extensively by Sport Witness, as La Viola secured an option to buy him permanently.
The winger offered promise in the first two games, also assisting in his second appearance. When handed starts after that, he couldn’t live up to the hype, attracting criticism from the Italian press especially after a 3-0 loss to Udinese.
The Florence club still find themselves in a relegation battle and things have become negative very quickly for the Leeds United player.
Permanent signing looking unlikely
FiorentinaUno report that the 29-year-old is displaying ‘declining performance’. The first few appearances saw him show his ability, intensity and willingness to fit into Paolo Vanoli’s system.
That is why as of now, his permanent arrival from Leeds United is unlikely. The Whites are believed to be keeping a close eye on their player, hoping that he turns things around.
If they don’t buy, the winger will return to Yorkshire at the end of the season. The next game against Parma could prove to be key for him, as Harrison is likely to start in the tie. It will be another opportunity despite having failed to create anything of note while starting in the last three games.
This is seen as a ‘true test’ by Fiorentina.
Analysis: Not entirely down to player
That Jack Harrison started well and then dropped is perhaps a clear sign of the pressure around Fiorentina and the negative impact it’s having on the club’s players.
La Viola weren’t expected to be in the situation they find themselves. There’s fury from fan groups and endless criticism being directed to the squad.
David De Gea is one of those being targeted. When he joined Fiorentina he produced some top form but has now wilted like others. The negativity is fuelling poor performances which in itself then drags the players further down. Fiorentina’s situation is not too dissimilar to Tottenham Hotspur.
