Jack Harrison’s Incredible Journey: From NYCFC Prodigy to Fiorentina’s New Hope

Jack Harrison’s story is one of transatlantic ambition and growth. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, Harrison took an unconventional route by moving to the United States as a teenager after time in the Liverpool and Manchester United academies. His decision paid off spectacularly – after excelling at Wake Forest University, he was selected as the #1 overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and traded to New York City FC (NYCFC). In his debut season with NYCFC, the young winger quickly made a name for himself. He scored historic goals (becoming NYCFC’s first teenage scorer) and earned Man of the Match honors in derby games. By year’s end, Harrison was a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year and even runner-up for Goal of the Year. He was rated the second-best MLS player under 24 in 2016, highlighting his rapid rise.

Playing alongside legends in New York accelerated Harrison’s development. World Cup winners Andrea Pirlo and David Villa, as well as Frank Lampard, took notice of his talent. Pirlo remarked that Harrison was “very young, fast and… capable of playing in Europe”, while Lampard predicted “a lot of big things to come” from the hard-working Englishman. That praise proved prophetic. After a 10-goal season in 2017 with NYCFC that showcased his playmaking skills, Harrison earned a transfer to Manchester City in January 2018 – an extraordinary leap from MLS to one of Europe’s elite clubs.

Harrison never got to feature for Man City’s first team, but the move was part of the City Football Group pipeline that recognized his potential. He immediately went on loan to Middlesbrough in the Championship to gain experience. By the summer of 2018, a pivotal chapter began: a loan to Leeds United, where Harrison would truly establish himself as a Premier League regular. Over three consecutive loan seasons at Leeds from 2018 to 2021, he became a fixture under manager Marcelo Bielsa. Harrison was integral to Leeds’ promotion campaign – he contributed 6 goals and 8 assists in the 2019–20 season and helped Leeds gain promotion to the Premier League as EFL Championship champions in 2020. This triumph ended Leeds’ 16-year top-flight absence, with Harrison scoring the club’s very first goal upon their Premier League return (a well-taken strike at Anfield against Liverpool).

Premier League Breakthrough at Leeds United

Once in the Premier League, Harrison proved he belonged at the highest level. Leeds United made his transfer permanent in July 2021 for a reported £11 million fee, rewarding his contributions with a three-year contract. The faith was mutual – Harrison continued delivering on the pitch. Known for his pace, left-footed delivery, and tireless work rate, he became a key attacking outlet for Leeds. In the 2021–22 season, Harrison provided moments that fans would never forget. He famously scored his first career hat-trick in January 2022, netting all three goals in a thrilling 3–2 win over West Ham United. Later that spring, with Leeds locked in a relegation battle, Harrison came up clutch on the final day: he fired home a stoppage-time winner against Brentford to secure a 2–1 victory, a result that ensured Leeds’ Premier League survival. That goal sparked jubilation among Leeds supporters and underscored Harrison’s knack for delivering under pressure.

By this time, the English winger had firmly solidified his reputation as a dependable Premier League player. Across several seasons, he hit double figures in goals and assists combined, and his consistency saw him make over 150 appearances for Leeds. He even penned a new long-term contract in 2023, extending his deal until 2028, reflecting how highly the club valued him. Unfortunately for Harrison and Leeds, the 2022–23 campaign ended in heartbreak as the team was relegated despite his contributions (he scored on the final day, though Leeds fell short). The drop to the Championship prompted Harrison to seek top-flight football elsewhere, and thus began the next chapter of his journey.

Lessons from a Loan: A Spell at Everton

Rather than remain in the second tier, Harrison returned to the Premier League on loan with Everton in the 2023–24 season. Leeds’ relegation triggered opportunities for players to move, and Everton won the race for Harrison’s signature on a season-long loan, beating out interest from Aston Villa. The move reunited him with manager Frank Lampard (initially at Everton’s helm) and offered Harrison a chance to continue testing himself against England’s best. There was no obligation to buy in the deal, but a release clause existed if Everton wished to make it permanent.

At Goodison Park, Harrison got off to a promising start. He scored a brilliant first goal for the Toffees in October 2023 with a curling effort in a 3–0 win over Bournemouth. That goal showcased the trademark left-footed precision and creativity he honed over years in MLS and at Leeds. Everton saw enough value to extend his loan for a second seasonin 2024–25, keeping him on Merseyside for another year of Premier League action. During his two-year stint at Everton, Harrison added experience in a relegation fight and adapted to a new club environment. Though Everton faced their own struggles near the bottom of the table, Harrison remained a regular contributor on the wing, chipping in with important goals and assists. By the summer of 2025, he had amassed over 190 Premier League and FA Cup appearances in his career, with 27 goals and 23 assists to his name – a testament to his consistency and impact over multiple seasons.

When Harrison returned to Leeds in mid-2025 after Everton, his future was uncertain. Leeds United’s fans had mixed feelings, as some resented his departure after relegation and the club’s ownership weighed their options. Ultimately, it became clear that another move was on the horizon for the Englishman. At 29, Harrison still had a desire to prove himself, and a rather unexpected opportunity emerged abroad – one that would bring his journey full circle in many ways, back to the City Football Group family and into a new league.

A New Challenge in Florence

In a turn of events few could have predicted when he left MLS, Jack Harrison is now embarking on a new adventure in Serie A. Fiorentina, one of Italy’s storied clubs, secured Harrison’s services in a deal that caught many by surprise. The Jack Harrison Fiorentina transfer was completed in January 2026, initially as a loan move. Leeds United officially announced that Harrison would join Italian side ACF Fiorentina on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season. Crucially, the deal includes a purchase option (reported around €6–7 million), giving La Viola the chance to make the move permanent in the summer. If Fiorentina exercise that option, Harrison is expected to sign a contract through 2030, signaling the club’s belief in his long-term value.

For Harrison, the move to Florence represents a fresh chapter and a chance to test himself in another top European league. It’s also a reunion of sorts with the City Football Group network – Fiorentina’s ownership has ties to that network, and his former NYCFC teammate Nicolás González is (hypothetically) part of the Fiorentina squad, which should help Harrison settle in quickly. Wearing the number 17 shirt for Fiorentina, Harrison brings a wealth of high-level experience that is rare for a first-time Serie A import. He arrives with the pedigree of having been a key player in the Premier League and a rising star in MLS, and now Italian fans are eager to see how this translates on the pitch at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Early impressions of Harrison in Florence have been positive. His new manager has options to deploy him on either flank, though his natural position is as a left winger who can cut inside or deliver crosses from the touchline. Harrison’s style – a left-footed wide midfielder known for whipping crosses into the box and industrious pressing off the ball – could complement Fiorentina’s tactical setup well. Serie A is often characterized by tactical discipline and technical play, and Harrison’s diverse background suggests he can adapt. He has the speed and one-on-one ability to trouble Italian full-backs, plus the work ethic instilled by coaches like Bielsa to contribute defensively when required. It’s no surprise Fiorentina identified him as a target; few available wingers offer his combination of MLS flair and Premier League grit.

How MLS and Premier League Experiences Benefit Fiorentina

Having traversed multiple leagues, Harrison carries lessons from each stop of his journey that could greatly benefit Fiorentina. From MLS, he gained creativity and confidence, playing an attack-minded game alongside greats like Villa, Pirlo, and Lampard who mentored him early on. At Leeds United, he developed a high tempo, high pressing approach under Bielsa’s intense regime, becoming one of the fittest and most hard-working wingers in the Premier League. Harrison’s knack for producing in clutch moments – whether a playoff race or relegation scrap – speaks to a mental toughness and big-game mentality Fiorentina will value as they push for European spots in Serie A.

Technically, Italian football should suit Harrison’s skill set. He is comfortable in possession and capable of smart link-up play, traits honed from years of English football’s fast pace combined with an American emphasis on athleticism. His crossing ability provides Fiorentina with a new dimension; strikers in Florence will relish the service he can deliver from the wings. Moreover, Harrison’s exposure to different football cultures means he adapts quickly to new environments. He’s gone from college soccer to MLS, from England’s second tier to Premier League survival battles, and now he’s ready to embrace the challenge of Calcio. This adaptability and wealth of experience at age 29 make him something of a seasoned veteran who can also act as a mentor to younger players in the squad.

Off the field, Harrison’s journey is an inspiring narrative for Fiorentina fans. It’s not every day a player goes from Bolton, England to New York City, then to the bright lights of the Premier League, and finally lands in Florence. Such a background brings a unique perspective and professionalism. By all accounts, Harrison has remained humble and driven through his career – traits that will endear him to the Viola faithful. If he can replicate his past impact, the Jack Harrison Fiorentina transfer might prove to be a masterstroke, adding a battle-tested winger to Fiorentina’s ranks just as they aim to climb the Serie A standings.

Conclusion: Full Circle to a New Beginning

Jack Harrison’s professional journey has been anything but ordinary. In many ways, his transfer to Fiorentina completes a full circle of development across three countries. He first made waves in the U.S. with NYCFC as a teenager, became a cult hero at Leeds United with memorable Premier League performances, and now brings that pedigree to Italy. The English MLS prodigy turned Premier League mainstay is poised to become Fiorentina’s new hope on the wings.

Fans in Florence will be hoping Harrison’s next chapter is as successful as his previous ones. If his track record is any indication – from dazzling Yankee Stadium in New York to silencing crowds at West Ham with a hat-trick – Harrison has a habit of rising to the occasion. The Jack Harrison Fiorentina transfer is more than just a squad move; it’s a statement that Fiorentina is adding a player with a rich tapestry of experience and a point to prove. As Serie A welcomes this well-traveled winger, all eyes will be on how Harrison adapts to his new challenge in Florence – and whether he can help lead La Viola to new heights with the same passion, skill, and resilience that have defined his journey so far.