Joe Gelhardt drops transfer hint in new message as Leeds exit route opens
Daniel Farke’s summer rebuild at Leeds United doesn’t look set to involve Joe Gelhardt after his lack of game-time last season.
Gelhardt was limited to just two substitute appearances in the Championship last term and a solitary start in the EFL Cup, before he departed Elland Road on a half-season loan spell to Hull City in January.
The 23-year-old was transformed in East Yorkshire, starting in all but one of his 20 league appearances for the Tigers and scoring five times as Ruben Selles’ side staved off relegation on goal difference alone.
Leeds have already strengthened their frontline by signing Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg on a free transfer, which pushes Gelhardt even further down the pecking order with a permanent exit on the cards.
Gelhardt sends update away from Leeds United
Gelhardt’s impact at Hull was vital to their Championship survival, but after Selles’ exit and subsequent appointment at Sheffield United, it remains to be seen if the Tigers will be able to sign him permanently.
The out-of-favour Whites forward saw his former club Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League alongside Leeds in the play-off final, but a move to another side in the English top-flight looks unlikely.
As Leeds‘ players prepare to return for pre-season training, Gerlhardt was keen to get a head-start and posted on his Instagram story (26 June) from the WM Football Coaching centre in Cheshire, with the caption of three ‘upward trend’ graph emojis a clear hint to potential suitors.
New Leeds link-up provides ideal path for Gelhardt transfer
Football Insider Verdict
Although Gelhardt hasn’t been given much of an opportunity under Daniel Farke, his half-season spell at Hull proved that the former Wigan Athletic forward is capable of making an impact in the second tier.
Rangers were keen to take Gelhardt north of the border in January before his switch to Hull, and Football Insider reported at the time that the out-of-favour Leeds striker was also open to an Ibrox transfer.
After 49ers Enterprises completed their majority takeover in Glasgow, Rangers can easily lay a smooth path for Gelhardt to complete his exit from Leeds, in a move that would be beneficial for both parties.
Gelhardt could rediscover his breakout form of 2021–22 in a Light Blue jersey, and with the boardrooms of Leeds and Rangers now intertwined, Russell Martin has a chance to complete a statement transfer.