One thing Daniel Farke has done very well during his short time at Leeds United is how he has handled some players.
When the German arrived in 2023, the club was in an uncertain state. The players that the team had spent millions on were dreading the prospect of dropping down from the Premier League to play in the Championship. That summer, as many as eight players who had signed for Leeds within the last two seasons left the club.
Daniel Farke allowed the players to leave and only decided to work with those who wanted to stay at the club. It paid off as Leeds had a great season in the Championship, only narrowly missing out on automatic qualification. The club’s dreams of a Premier League return where shattered when they lost the playoff final in May.
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Leeds United set to lose star man
Credit: Imago Images
After failing to make the Premier League, more players departed that summer. Leeds went into this campaign without a bunch of key players, as Daniel Farke still kept faith with those who wanted to be at Elland Road. Brenden Aaronson is an example; after a poor start to his career at the club, he went out on loan last season. His loan spell was not enough to seal a permanent deal so he returned this summer. Daniel Farke has managed to turn the American’s career around, and he is now a key player in the team.
Now, another player is at a crossroads at the club. Joe Gelhardt has made just two league appearances this season, and since Daniel Farke joined the club, the forward has not made more than 12 appearances. The Leeds boss has left him out of recent matchday squads as he sorts his future.
Scottish side Rangers are interested in signing Joe Gelhardt in January. They will have a tough task on their hands as up to 10 clubs including other Championship sides, have shown interest in the 22-year old. Yorkshire Evening Post lists Portsmouth, Stoke City and Plymouth Argyle among the interested clubs.
Perfect time to let Gelhardt go
With so much interest in Joe Gelhardt, Leeds United have no choice but to let him leave. At 22 years, he needs first team football, which Daniel Farke has not been able to give him. A move away is the best for all involved. If he does leave, bringing in Brighton striker Evan Ferguson on loan could be the ideal replacement.
