Joe Gelhardt tipped to seek Leeds United exit in January after Daniel Farke decision
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Joe Gelhardt may seek a January exit from Leeds United after a lack of first-team opportunities this season, according to Paul Robinson.
Leeds’ relegation suggested that the 21-year-old would earn more minutes in the Championship, especially considering his successful loan spell to Sunderland last season.However, he has been awarded just two starts this season and has not featured at all since Leeds’ 3-0 win over Millwall, where he played just one minute.
Gelhardt bagged a goal in the Whites’ 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup earlier this season, but Daniel Farke has not fancied the youngster over the likes of Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and even the frequently injured Patrick Bamford.
Robinson would not be shocked if Gelhardt was keen on a January move amid his “frustrating” situation despite Leeds’ “selfish” need for quality options.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “It’s going to be frustrating for Gelhardt because he was on loan last season, playing well and scoring goals.
“Not being part of the squad, from a personal point of view, it will be frustrating. There are two ways to look at it. From the club’s point of view, they want to keep their best players and they want to keep their squad together.
“They know they can’t rely on all the players to be fit, look at Patrick Bamford. From the club’s selfish point of view, if they can afford to and the wage bill allows it, then you keep all your best players. At his age, with such a lack of first-team football and lack of involvement, it will be frustrating without a shadow of a doubt.
“If the opportunity for him to go out on loan comes up in January, then that may be something that he looks at if the club allows him to do that.”
In other Leeds United news, an unusual clause not possible in one country has been used on one Whites loanee, with a permanent exit now on the cards.