(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 9 April 2026 12:15, UK Updated Thu 9 April 2026 13:00, UK

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Joe Gelhardt is keen to make a move to Rangers in the summer transfer window as he edges closer to a permanent move away from Leeds United.

The 23-year-old is enjoying an impressive spell on loan at Hull City, but a return to Elland Road is considered unlikely, prompting other clubs to join the race.

Rangers’ links via the 49ers Enterprises ownership have put them in a strong position to move ahead of other clubs for his signature, alongside the offer of European football.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Gelhardt is keen to join the Ibrox club and will view it as a step up from his current situation.

While Hull remain hopeful of promotion from the Championship, their bid will be dented if they fail, and Rangers are emerging as the leading contenders.

How could Rangers complete a deal for Joe Gehlardt?

Brown told Football Insider on 7 April that Rangers are interested in signing Gelhardt and could use their links with Leeds to push the move through.

Danny Rohl hopes to bolster his squad this summer, with new forwards on their radar, and the Hull City loanee has been identified among their targets.

A number of rival clubs are also believed to be keeping tabs on his situation, but there is a feeling that the forward is most interested in a move to Ibrox.

“Rangers would be a good destination for Gelhardt,” Brown told Football Insider.

“He’s not going to stay at Leeds, it’s time for him to move on, so he has to weigh up his options and decide where he wants his next move to be.

“Rangers will be able to offer European football, competing for silverware, and it’s a step down from the Premier League where he has struggled in the past.

“It’s a move Gelhardt is keen to make because of that, he would do well in Scotland and playing for one of the top clubs there is always a big deal.

“Compared to somewhere like Hull, for example, if they’re still in the Championship, and they’re not likely to compete for trophies.

“Rangers are the front-runners for this deal because of that, so if they want to make a move, it won’t take much convincing on the players’ side.”

Could Hull City make Gelhardt’s loan deal permanent?

Despite the interest from Rangers, Hull remain hopeful of keeping the forward at the club long-term after what has been a strong season on loan.

Brown told Football Insider last month that Hull are keen to sign Gelhardt permanently and hope they will be able to agree terms with Leeds this summer.

Promotion to the Premier League would provide them with a huge boost, as they currently sit fifth in the table and on course to secure a playoff place.

However, should they remain in the second tier, it could be a difficult deal to pull off given the strength of interest from elsewhere.

Leeds are expected to be open to letting the forward leave permanently after another spell away, but will demand a reasonable fee for his services.