Transfers: Jack Harrison Signs for Manchester City, Joins Middlesbrough on Loan

FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 15: New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison (11) dribbles the ball during a match between the New England Revolution and New York City FC on October 15, 2017, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Revolution defeated NYCFC 2-1. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 15: New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison (11) dribbles the ball during a match between the New England Revolution and New York City FC on October 15, 2017, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Revolution defeated NYCFC 2-1. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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21-year-old winger, Jack Harrison, signed with Manchester City from NYCFC and will join Middlesbrough on loan in the EFL.

After much speculation, England U-21 international, Jack Harrison has signed a three and a half year deal with Manchester City. The NYCFC product will leave MLS and join Championship side, Middlesbrough on loan for the remainder of the season.

During his time in New York, the Englishman quickly became a fan favorite. Joining the club via the first pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. The winger made a significant impact for the Eastern Conference side during his two seasons. In 55 regular season appearances, Harrison found the back of the net 14 times and contributed 13 assists.

Speaking about the move back to his home country, Jack stated,

"“I’ve really enjoyed my time with New York City and I’d like to thank Patrick Vieira and his coaching staff for helping me to develop as a player. I feel I’ve really improved working under him and playing regularly in the MLS, but now I’m looking forward to testing myself in England.”"

Championship club, Middlesbrough, have acquired the services of Jack Harrison for the remainder of the 2017/18 season as part of this deal. After being relegated from the Premier League last season, Boro sits eighth in the league table, just two spots behind the promotional playoffs.

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- AUGUST 25: Patrick Vieira, head coach of New York City FC on the sideline during the New York Red Bulls Vs New York City FC MLS regular season match at Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey on August 25, 2017 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- AUGUST 25: Patrick Vieira, head coach of New York City FC on the sideline during the New York Red Bulls Vs New York City FC MLS regular season match at Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey on August 25, 2017 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /

It’s unlikely the new City boy sees playing time for the Cityzens in the short-term as several players stand ahead of him in the pecking order. Raheel Sterling, Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Leroy Sane are some of the players standing in the way of Harrison becoming a regular part of the starting XI.

New York City FC Head Coach, Patrick Viera, had nothing but praise for his now former player.

"“It’s been a pleasure to work with him over the last two seasons and he’s developed very quickly thanks to his hard work and talent. Jack is incredibly passionate about the game and is always looking to improve himself.”"

Next: Transfers: Four MLS teams that should go after unsettled Lee Nguyen

Jack Harrison will not only be remembered for his on-pitch contributions in the Big Apple, but also for being NYCFC’s first promising youngster to make a move to a powerhouse club like Manchester City.