Paul Robinson: Leeds United teen Joe Gelhardt should leave on loan in summer
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Joe Gelhardt needs to leave Leeds United on loan in the summer and join a top-half club in the Championship, according to Paul Robinson.
Gelhardt, 19, joined the Whites from Wigan last summer for a fee worth up to £2.5million and managed to hit the ground running for the Yorkshire club’s Under-23s.
The young striker, who’s been likened to Wayne Rooney, scored 11 goals in 16 Premier League 2 appearances for Leeds but is yet to make a senior debut.
Ex-Leeds goalkeeper Robinson doesn’t see Gelhardt getting senior football anytime soon at Elland Road so suggests a temporary move to the Championship would be the best option for the youngster’s career development.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Gelhardt said: “I think a loan deal would be ideal for him next season.
“We’ve seen other players do that not just for Leeds but for other clubs where they’ve gone on loan to the Championship to a good club and get some game-time.
“Not that the Under-23s don’t matter but there’s a lot more pressure when there’s a big crowd at a Championship game – it’s completely different to the Under-23s. It’s a big step up and that’s the next part of his learning curve.
“He’s not going to get a lot of game time next season and wasn’t used towards the end of this season but he’s a top young talent, he’s a really good player.
“But he’s too good to play in the Under-23s week in, week out.
“A year’s experience in the top half of the Championship is invaluable.”
Gelhardt, who’s been dubbed “amazing” by Noel Whelan [Football Insider], is one of the hottest young properties at Elland Road but wasn’t the only Leeds youngster to tear up Premier League 2 this season.
Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville and Cody Drameh have also impressed for the youth team.
It will be interesting to see what happens with them over the summer and whether they can win a call-up to Bielsa’s first-team squad.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have been tipped to pay “top money” to sign this new player.