Fulham starlet Luke Harris has agreed to join Exeter CIty on loan, according to reports this morning.
Devon Live claims that the deal to take the talented teenager to St. James’ Park should be finalised this week after Fulham return from United States, which would allow the Welsh midfielder to feature for the Grecians in their League One opener at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon. Harris, who came on as a substitute in all three of Fulham’s Summer Series friendlies in the United States, has been gradually introduced to Fulham’s first team after starring in their category one academy – making five first-team appearances under Marco Silva last year.
The Jersey-born attacking midfielder made his senior debut in the League Cup at Crawley Town last August before being handed a first Premier League appearance as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Craven Cottage two months later. He also came off the bench at Manchester City and Crystal Palace and started the 3-2 FA Cup third round replay win at Sunderland. Harris has continued to feature for Fulham’s under 21s whilst training with the senior side and his development has seen him fast tracked into Rob Page’s senior Welsh squad, although the 18 year-old has yet to make his international debut.
Regular first-team football is seen as the next step in the development of the playmaker, who is regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from Motspur Park, but Silva recognises that Harris is unlikely to dislodge Brazilian number ten Andreas Pereira or captain Tom Cairney from the starting line-up this term. The Whites were impressed with how Jay Stansfield kicked on during his stint in the south west last season and, although City were keen to take their own academy graduate on loan again, Fulham are reported to be seeking a Championship loan for the forward. It appears as though a loan for Harris is the result of negotiations between the two clubs.
This feels like a mistake right now. Harris is decent, and given both our current apparent problems with recruitment, and injuries to Joao and TC, we should really be looking to him as cover. I’m sure Luke would like to be playing somewhere every week, but needs must for FFC first.
It’s Jay all over again. If… and l think he is one of our best crop of graduates goes on lone with our recruiting record not the best. He is one we should keep in the squad. I THOUGH that we were a good club for bringing on youngsters but if they don’t get a chance they will leave