Kadeem Harris is keeping Carlisle United waiting as he weighs up his next move for the 2025/26 season.
The 32-year-old has been offered a new deal at Brunton Park, but has yet to commit as he continues to explore his options.
Midfielder Trains With PFA Squad Amid Carlisle Talks
Harris, who impressed in spells for Carlisle United last term, has been putting in the work with the Professional Footballers’ Association pre-season camp in Leicestershire. The winger, formerly of Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff City, confirmed on Instagram that he had taken part in the PFA’s training sessions, posting: “Good week’s work @The_PFA” alongside an image from the pitch.
Carlisle manager Mark Hughes remains interested in retaining Harris for the National League campaign. Speaking earlier this month, Hughes said the club had not imposed a deadline on the former Wycombe Wanderers man, but warned that they may soon be forced to look elsewhere.
“There comes a point where we have to move on as well,” Hughes explained. “If we have to make a decision where we have a move on somebody that we can get in the building… then I think there’d be an understanding both ways.”
Harris joined Carlisle in October 2023 and featured in 30 league matches last season, providing experience and attacking quality during a difficult campaign. His performances prompted the club to offer him a new deal at the end of the season, but with the start of 2025/26 approaching, time is running short for a resolution.
The delay leaves United in a holding pattern, unsure whether they will be able to count on Harris’s services or if they must pivot to alternative targets before the season kicks off.
Other released Carlisle players, including Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch and Paul Dummett, have also been training with the PFA group. Lavelle and McGeouch featured in a recent friendly against Worksop Town, with another scheduled against Port Vale’s Under-21s.
Carlisle’s recruitment strategy for the new season has been relatively restrained so far, and the Harris decision could impact further movement. With no public statement yet from the player, the ball remains firmly in his court.
Writer’s View
Carlisle United have handled the Harris situation with patience and professionalism, but the clock is ticking. Harris remains a quality option at League Two level, offering pace, flair, and experience—traits that aren’t easy to replace late in the window.
However, Hughes is right to plan for life without him if clarity doesn’t arrive soon. A drawn-out saga helps neither party, and with United’s rebuild still in progress, a swift resolution is crucial—whether it ends in a handshake or a parting of ways.
