Hartlepool United are lining up an ambitious fifth signing of the summer transfer window, potentially causing a major blow to a fellow National League side in the process.
Lee Clark’s side have already been active in the transfer window, beating EFL sides to the signing of Morecambe star Jack Nolan, whilst also signing Brooklyn Ilunga and Jordan Hugill from the Football League.
The Pools missed out on the play-off places once again last season, whilst also failing to achieve success in the FA Trophy – leaving the club’s wait for further silverware to continue.
However, could their next target be the man to get them over the line this time around?
Hartlepool plot move for 26-goal striker
Over the course of the summer so far, Hartlepool have already said goodbye to a handful of players including National League talisman Alex Reid on a free transfer – leaving a gap in the top end of the pitch that needs to be filled.
With one ambitious signing (Jack Nolan) already over the line, it appears that the Pools aren’t stopping there as they aim to continue building a side that is capable of competing for promotion this time around under new boss Clark.
As reported by BBC Teeside journalist Rob Law, Hartlepool United are in an active pursuit to try and sign Halifax Town star Will Harris on a permanent deal, but face significant interest from clubs in the EFL.
The 25-year-old joined Halifax on a free transfer from National League North side Spennymoor Town last summer, and despite being sent off in his second outing for the club – he went on to compete for the Golden Boot award, scoring 26 goals across all competitions whilst also providing four assists as they too narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
Harris’ future at Halifax is currently in doubt with Law also confirming that there is a contest ongoing regarding reports that the Shaymen triggered his one-year option after his deadline, suggesting he could be a free agent this summer rather than being the subject of a transfer fee.
Confirming Hartlepool’s interest, Law stated…
‘Understand Hartlepool United are competing hard for Will Harris’ signature from Halifax. A top priority & rated highly by Pools.
‘The player would be open to a move back to the North East, but Pools up against EFL & NL clubs. The fight for his signature is on.’
Would this signing transition Hartlepool from play-off hopefuls to title contenders?
In short, Harris is still relatively inexperienced at National League level, struggling to score in two different spells in the sixth-tier last season, but suddenly hitting red-hot form for Halifax during the previous campaign.
Harris’ potential arrival in the North East shouldn’t automatically make them title contenders, due to the ‘unknown’ that lives in football. By that, a potential injury, suspension or a drop in confidence could prevent the 25-year-old from picking up where he left off last season.
However, if this deal was to get over the line, Hartlepool would have signed two of last season’s standout goal-scorers in Harris & Nolan, with both players alone significantly strengthening their attacking options going into the 2026/27 campaign.
What this potential signing would also do is cast further eyes on the football club, making them more attractive for other possible targets to choose them over rival interest ahead of next season. If more players did that, it would make Hartlepool a better side and therefore alone give them a better chance of reaching the EFL rather than handing all the pressure onto a singular player.
