Ian Harkes is set for pivotal talks with new Dundee United boss Jack Ross as the American’s Tannadice future hangs in the balance.
Harkes, 27, was expected to pen a new one-year contract upon his return from summer holiday.
That fact was underlined by the fact the Tangerines had confirmation of that deal drafted — and prematurely pressed the button on that announcement earlier this month.
That article was swiftly deleted from the club’s official website.
With Ross having replaced Tam Courts at the helm, further discussions are slated to take place when Harkes is back in Scotland.
Courier Sport analyses just what United would be missing if Harkes decides to seek pastures new.
What do the number say?
Harkes missed the final two months of the 2021/22 campaign due to a serious ankle injury — however, the fact he was named the club’s Player of the Year underlines his impact prior to that setback.
The former D.C. United ace was a driving force in the engine room, particularly going forward.
Comparing the Premiership performances of United’s midfielders, Harkes averaged 1.5 shots per match — more than any other playmaker.
Only Peter Pawlett (0.14) — who was utilised in a far more advanced role — boasted a better expected goals (xG) per match than Harkes’ 0.12.
🇺🇸 Ian Harkes wins Player of the Year after stepping forward time after time in the big moments this season
Harkesy's best bits from 2021/22 👇 pic.twitter.com/8eek3I6KUq
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) May 15, 2022
In a Tangerines’ outfit often criticised for being stodgy and attritional last term — despite their undeniable and laudable success in the league — Harkes was one of the players who sought to break the lines.
He averaged 14.2 passes into the final third every game. Only Dylan Levitt, widely recognised as a special talent, topped that tally with 15.3.
While a simple metric, it should also be noted that Harkes played more minutes (2,467) than any other United midfielder — despite injury ending his season on March 14. While not always fully appreciated, he was consistent and reliable.
Magic moments
Away from the numbers, Harkes also displayed an intangible knack for producing big moments.
He notched the only goal in United’s 1-0 derby victory against Dundee last September and struck to earn the Terrors a point against Celtic at Parkhead.
What a strike 🚀
Ian Harkes puts Dundee United in the lead! pic.twitter.com/5Wtafsa8xS
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 19, 2021
Harkes’ instinctive finish was enough to earn a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in November.
Allied with a Premiership player of the month award in September — the first time a United man had picked up that accolade since Paul Paton in February 2016 — Harkes’ impact is evident.
United already have plenty of business to do in the transfer market this summer, from a new goalkeeper to central midfield reinforcements and a marquee centre-forward.
Nothing less than six signings will suffice, one suspects.
Whether Ross and sporting director Tony Asghar must also find a replacement for Harkes will become apparent in the coming days.
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