Leeds United will have some tough decisions to make with the squad when the summer transfer window opens. Getting in new faces is important, but one difficult aspect will be getting rid of players.
Making the Premier League means that some players will be sold, as they are more suited to the Championship than the English top flight. Last summer, Leeds saw a mass clear-out of players. Most from the Victor Orta and the more recent Jesse Marsch transfer window of 2023.
Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Robin Koch and Tyler Adams all left Elland Road last year.
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Leeds United face Joe Gelhardt problem
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One of the later departures this season was Joe Gelhardt. The forward started the year with Leeds, but eventually left on loan in January. When asked why he left Elland Road midseason, the 22-year old had an interesting answer. He revealed that he had a conversation with Daniel Farke before he left:
“Sometimes, you don’t play; you can’t sit there and moan about it; you’ve got to crack on with it, but I had a conversation with him (Farke) just before January about what my plan was going to be. As a footballer, you want to play games, so I told him that I’d like to go out on loan and try and play if I’m not in his plans, and he agreed to it; he let me, and he was happy with it.”
Hull City reportedly want Gelhardt to continue at the club next season. The tigers are open to a permanent deal, or even another loan spell. With Leeds winning promotion, the forward’s salary is set to increase as part of his promotion clause. This was confirmed by Alan Nixon. Which means that Hull will have to factor that into their wage bill. It is something the club’s ownership will have to consider before deciding to make a move for the Leeds United man.
Gelhardt needs to take what Hull City give him
At this age, Joe Gelhardt needs to grab any opportunity at first team football. Hull were one of the only clubs to want to take a chance on the forward. He has shown flashes, with five goals in 19 games – which could raise interest this summer.
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Gelhardt should consider a future outside Elland Road, because it is highly unlikely he returns to the first team under Daniel Farke. The player and his representatives need to decide if his wages mean more than regular football.
