Leeds left with Joe Gelhardt headache as Hull City's finances come to light - verdict

Leeds United may have to look for transfer alternatives as Hull City seem incapable of signing Joe Gelhardt.

The Tigers are facing PSR issues after a £6million overspend and owner Acun Ilicali has admitted they will need to sell some players before 30 June to avoid a possible points deduction in the Premier League.

What it means for the transfer strategy at the MKM Stadium remains to be seen, but it may be difficult for them to spend a significant sum to reinforce their squad for the top flight.

Joe Gelhardt was one of Hull's leading goalscorers in the 2025-26 campaign, and while they seem keen to sign him permanently from Elland Road, it could potentially be a difficult deal to pull off.

The West Yorkshire outfit will certainly want to cash in on the 24-year-old in the ongoing transfer window, considering his current contract in LS11 expires at the end of next season.

However, the Whites may be left with a headache over the centre-forward's future if Hull are incapable of matching their asking price due to clear financial issues.

Joe Gelhardt future assessed at Leeds United

Gelhardt enjoyed an impressive season on loan at Hull, scoring 15 goals in the Championship, and Leeds fans wouldn't mind keeping him as a backup option for next season.

What makes things difficult for the Whites is the striker's expiring contract and 49ers Enterprises surely wouldn't want to lose him as a free agent.

If the West Yorkshire outfit can agree a new deal with the attacker, it would surely make sense for Daniel Farke to give him an opportunity to compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha

Joel Piroe looks to be on his way out of Elland Road and Gelhardt feels like the perfect replacement in the German manager's squad for the Suriname international.

Joe Gelhardt could be part of Elland Road revolution

Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke shared on 12 June that Farke was prioritising signing young players at Leeds to improve the squad this summer.

Looking at Gelhardt's age and profile, there's no reason why the striker can't make his mark at the West Yorkshire outfit next season.

The centre-forward has clearly improved drastically in recent seasons and Hull's problems may be a blessing in disguise for the Whites.