Joe Gelhardt remains a Leeds United player with a few weeks to go until the transfer window closes. Many would have thought the forward would have been sold after events of the last year.
Gelhardt left Elland Road for Hull City in January 2025, and helped the Tigers avoid relegation.
He spent the first half of that season with Leeds, finding himself on the bench for most of the campaign. So when the Championship club moved for him, he was happy to go.
Hull struck a deal to loan him again last summer.
The forward performed even better last season, scoring 15 goals across all competitions as the Tigers won Premier League promotion via the play-offs.
Latest on Leeds United star’s future as club boss makes transfer hint
After the season, there was a lot of talk that Gelhardt would seal a permanent move.
The Leeds United forward admitted that playing for Hull brought his love for football back. The Tigers were heavily linked with a move, but the links died down for a while.
Over the last few weeks, Gelhardt has resurfaced as a major target for clubs.
Hull, Birmingham City and Wrexham are among the teams interested in a deal for the 24-year old.
🗣️ “For me no doubt. He loves Hull City”
🐯 @HullCity boss Sergej Jakirovic addresses Joe Gelhardt’s return to the club during our Special last night. The whole thing is available on @BBCSport | @BBCSounds (search for Hull City) #hcafc pic.twitter.com/iOaeq7e9Qu
— James Hoggarth (@jameshoggarth) August 12, 2026
Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic has spoken to BBC Humberside on the latest involving links to the Leeds star. According to him, Gelhardt is keen to make a return, and the club are ready to have him.
“There is no doubt about Joe Gelhardt. For me, no doubt. For me, Joe Gelhardt proved everything on the pitch.
“Last season, contribution, how many goals? 15. He loves Hull City, he wants to be here, he’s very happy here, this is just, I think, also a matter of time when we will finish this job.”
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The ball is in Hull City’s court now
Interest in Joe Gelhardt seems to have peaked over the last few weeks.
Leeds United have no plans for him, as shown when they dropped him from the training camp in the US. The forward was left in the UK, and nothing has been heard from him since.
Gelhardt did an amazing job to increase his value with his performances out on loan last year.
He has now reached a level where Leeds will no doubt get a good fee from him on the market. Hull City now seem to be back in the race, and will make an attempt to sign the forward.
All the newly-promoted club have to do now is pay the asking price to get their man.
