Leeds United tipped to sign Joe Gelhardt replacement as deal is done – pundit
Leeds United need to bolster their squad with experienced players this summer so they are not as reliant on Joe Gelhardt next season, according to Kevin Campbell.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Everton and Arsenal forward hailed the 20-year-old’s qualities but insisted Leeds should not be relying on him.
Gelhardt scored twice and provided four assists from 20 Premier League games, including just five starts, as the Whites narrowly avoided relegation this season.
They have already kicked off their summer business with the addition of attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson from RB Salzburg last week (26 May) who will complete his move at the beginning of July.
Marcelo Bielsa preferred to work with a small squad but Campbell has insisted Jesse Marsch should focus on quality over quantity as he looks to rebuild his squad this summer.
He told Football Insider assistant editor Dylan Childs: “I don’t even think it’s just a matter of the size of the squad, it’s the quality as well.
“I think Gelhardt is a really good player but he’s a baby. You want a strong, experienced squad for him to be around and learn from them.
“He’s having to start and make a name for himself and he’s done excellently.
“I just think Leeds and the ownership have to do it a little bit differently this summer.”
Last summer (2021), Leeds only added Dan James and Junior Firpo to the squad that finished ninth in the Premier League under Bielsa.
They opted not to bolster the squad in the January window despite injuries to Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has tipped Leeds United to ’emulate Liverpool’ this summer as 49ers news emerges.