Sources: Leeds green light Joe Gelhardt move this month
Leeds United have given the green light to Joe Gelhardt going out on loan this month, sources have told Football Insider.
The forward, 20, was recalled to the United starting XI for Sunday’s (8 January) dramatic FA Cup 2-2 draw against Cardiff City.
But Gelhardt has been told he does not figure in Jesse Marsch’s plans for the second half of the season and will be allowed to complete a January loan.
It is expected that the 20-year-old will head to a Championship club, where he can get regular first-team football.
He made just his fourth start of the season for Leeds on Sunday, only one of which has been in the Premier League.
The former Wigan youngster played 73 minutes up front before being replaced, as an added-time Sonny Perkins equaliser for the visitors averted a shock FA Cup defeat.
Speaking post-match (as per Leeds Live), manager Marsch refused to comment on a potential exit for Gelhardt – insisting he “really likes” the young forward.
He has made 17 appearances totalling just 390 minutes this season – and has largely failed to deliver on the promise he showed during his breakout 2021-22 campaign.
Gelhardt managed two goals and four assists last season as Leeds United staved off the threat of relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season.
The England Under-20 international’s loan exit may be intertwined with the potential January arrival of Hoffenheim striker Georginio Rutter.
According to Fabrizio Romano (8 January), Leeds have already agreed personal terms with Rutter – with the Whites discussing a fee of around €30million (£26.4million) for the youngster.
Marsch’s side have already agreed one signing this month, with defender Max Wober joining the club from RB Salzburg.
Leeds sit 14th in the Premier League after 17 games.
In other news, pundit cites Erling Haaland as Whites told to complete signing after source’s reveal.