Leeds United are bracing themselves for some departures during the January transfer window.
The club have been flying in the league this season considering their recent problems on and off the field. After losing the Championship playoff final, not many thought the club could bounce back and be in the promotion race for this campaign. After Daniel Farke lost three of his key players from last season, nobody really gave Leeds a chance this season.
However, the club have been one of the better sides in the league this season. A tough win away from home against Swansea sees Leeds United top of the league with 32 points. It is just 16 games into the season, but there is optimism around Elland Road that the club can challenge for promotion once again.
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Huge interest in Leeds United star
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During the summer, some young players left the club after failing to break into the first team. Ian Poveda, Cody Drameh and Liam Cresswell were among some of the players that left the club permanently. Another young star is set to follow.
With how well the team have been playing this season, some players have not been able to play. Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt are meant to be the backup options to Joel Piroe, but neither have been able to start games so far. Gelhardt has made a total of two league appearances this campaign. According to reports, the 22-year old asked to leave in January due to lack of game time. The interest in Gelhardt has ramped up in recent weeks as multiple clubs have shortlisted the young forward to boost their squad.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report that Rangers, Portsmouth, Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Preston North End and a few Belgian clubs are very interested in signing Gelhardt. The forward will be keen to leave Elland Road after seeing Mateo Joseph go above him in the pecking order.
Time for Leeds to cash in on Joe Gelhardt
With the huge amount of interest in the 22-year old, Leeds are in the best position to sell him. If they can agree a deal in January, it would be for the best. Mateo Joseph has shown his quality, and how he can step up in the first team and will be a huge player in the future. Daniel Farke will be very comfortable with having Joseph and Bamford as backups to Joel Piroe from now on.
