Despite losing to Millwall midweek, Leeds United are still in contention for promotion.
Wednesday night was their first defeat in the league since September. Daniel Farke has had a very good start to the season after losing key players this summer.
Although Leeds made some signings this summer, Daniel Farke has relied on most of his players from last season. And this has led to some of the current team not getting playing time.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing player from these 10 famous Leeds United photos?
Leeds United star wants move in January
Credit: Imago Images
With Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson having played almost every game this season, Joe Gelhardt has been on the fringes of the team. The 22-year old has played a total of 9 minutes in the Championship this season.
MOT Leeds reports that Gelhardt has already made his mind up to look for a loan deal in January. The striker missed Wednesday’s game against Millwall as he is still dealing with a hip issue.
Gelhardt’s case is similar to Isaac Schmidt’s; the defender was signed in the summer but has barely played. Daniel Farke recently said that the 24-year old would need to keep working hard in order to earn a place in the team. It might also be the same with Gelhardt.
Former Leeds man Carlton Palmer actually predicted this would happen a few weeks ago:
“Joe Geldhart finds himself in an unenviable position at the moment. He’s 22, and he’s getting very little game time at Leeds United. I’m surprised he didn’t leave Leeds this summer.
“I am surprised that him and his advisors haven’t sorted a move. He needs to play football, and he’s just not getting any game time and the years are ticking on.
“I’m sure his advisors now will be looking at it saying, listen, right, if he’s not getting game time, I think by the time we get to the Championship transfer window, they’ll look to get him out, whether it’s on loan or on a permanent deal.”
Gelhardt decision is totally understandable
Since Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League, Gelhardt has played a total of 415 minutes. At 22 years old, he is at a crucial point in his career and will need playing time to develop.
He has been very unfortunate that Leeds have gone out to splash the cash on Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter in recent years, and they have kept him out of the team with how well they have played.
