Joe Gelhardt left Leeds United this summer in hopes of getting more playing time after what happened at the end of last season. The forward barely played until January, when he got a loan move to Hull City.
His performances in the second half of the campaign helped the Tigers survive in the Championship. At the start of the summer transfer window, it was reported that he was available for transfer, with the club looking to cash in on him. But Gelhardt eventually joined Hull City on a season-long loan.
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | 23 | 2 | 4 |
| 2022/23 | 19 | 0 | 3 |
| 2023/24 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
This past summer at Elland Road saw a bit of a reshuffle in attack. Last season, the club had Mateo Joseph, Patrick Bamford and Largie Ramazani in the side, but none of them are currently at the club. Joseph and Ramazani are out on loan, while Bamford’s contract was terminated. The striker is now set to join Sheffield United on a short-term deal.
Joe Gelhardt could force Leeds United into a big January decision
The 23-year-old has been a standout at Hull City this season, scoring seven goals in the Championship. He has been in great form since the end of last season. Gelhardt has been playing with much poise and confidence, admitting that the loan deal was a very good move for him. With his performances so far this season, there have been suggestions that Leeds could recall the forward.
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 20 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025/26 (so far) | 15 | 7 | 2 |
It has been reported that Gelhardt’s loan comes with a recall clause; the Whites have a small window in January where they can recall the former England youth star. But with how things are going, it looks very unlikely that something like that will happen. Hull will also be keen on keeping the player who is making a huge difference to their campaign so far.
Leeds should cash in on the youngster
Joe Gelhardt’s current contract runs out in the summer, and in January, he can start talks with foreign clubs over moving as a free agent.
Leeds have a big chance to cash in on the forward; they can recall him when the window opens and sell him to the highest bidder. So many clubs would be interested in a player who is scoring for fun in the Championship this season.
Weighing the option of letting him go for free after a stellar loan campaign and making some profit off him in January, shows there is a clear choice the club’s ownership needs to step in and take.
As to whether they will do that is another story on it’s own.
