Leeds United will allow attacker Joe Gelhardt to depart on loan this month, with Hull City amongst two Championship clubs expressing an interest.
The 22-year-old was widely tipped to leave on a temporary deal during the summer transfer window but ultimately remained at Elland Road. He has barely featured for Daniel Farke’s team though, playing just nine minutes of Championship action across two games, with the last of those coming in October.
It’s a mirror of last season, where the former Wigan Athletic academy graduate featured just 10 times in the league, acquiring just 192 minutes. That was despite a successful loan spell at Sunderland during the 2022/23 season.
Leeds To Finally Sanction Gelhardt Loan
His time with the Black Cats provided a valuable first team experience. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been allowed to expand on that, although it looks as if that will change this month. According to journalist Graham Smyth, Hull City and another unnamed Championship club are in the running for his services. Speaking to Yorkshire Evening Post, he said:
“There is interest in a loan move. Hull City and one other Championship club are very serious about taking him for the second half of the season and there are others still keen.
“Leeds are very open to the idea and I don’t believe Patrick Bamford’s injury will be a barrier to that. Gelhardt is also obviously keen to get out and play.
“There is no issue with wages from what we’re told and this is one bit of business we’re expecting to happen before the deadline.”
Writer’s View
Gelhardt is a player that has been highly rated by Leeds fans and it’s perplexing that they have allowed his development to shunt. His impressive loan spell at Sunderland meant that he was set to be given a chance to earn a spot in the first team squad, but that hasn’t worked out and he has missed a season and a half of senior playing time. A move for Hull would be perfect for both parties. Gelhardt would have a chance to feature on a regular basis, whilst the Tigers could get a player that could prove the difference between relegation and survival.
