Harkes’ impact laid bare as talks with Ross begin

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 was underlined by the fact the Tangerines had confirmation of that deal drafted – and prematurely pressed the button on that announcement earlier this month. The 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 returns to Scotland.

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 DC United ace was a driving force in the engine room, particularly going forward.

Harkes averaged 1.5 shots per match, more than any other midfielder on United’s books.

Only Peter Pawlett (0.14) – who was utilised in a far more advanced role – had a better expected goals per match that Harkes’ 0.12.

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.

Away from the numbers, Harkes also displayed an intangible knack for producing big moments.

He notched the only goal in United’s 1-0 win against Dundee last September and struck to earn the Terrors a point at Parkhead.

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 – and 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.

Whether Ross and sporting director Tony Asghar must also find a replacement for Harkes will become apparent in the coming days.

Ian Harkes’ stats and contribution have been impressive.