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Leeds United could tie Joe Gelhardt down to new contract before Premier League starts after noises - Phil Hay
Leeds United could tie Joe Gelhardt down to a new long-term contract before the start of the next Premier League season, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist reported that there were “noises” from the Elland Road camp about extending the deal last season, but that never happened during the relegation fight.
With Premier League status secured for another year, Jesse Marsch should hand Gelhardt a more prominent role which could come alongside a new contract in West Yorkshire.
Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Hay shared what could happen with the young striker before the new season gets underway in August.
“Leeds made noises about extending Gelhardt’s contract last season and, with survival secured, do not be surprised if he has been handed improved terms by the time the Premier League term kicks off,” he wrote.
“Chances here and there were enough for Gelhardt to show his ability and he has not needed many games to make people sit up.
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“He should be increasingly prominent under Marsch going forward and if he continues to develop at his current rate, Leeds need him on a longer deal.”
Huge.
This could be one of the biggest decisions Leeds make all summer.
Anyone with a footballing brain knows that Gelhardt is the next big thing in English football, and tieing him down to a huge new deal for the next five years could prove vital.
There is no way a young player like that can continue to make waves as he is in the Premier League, and not attract interest from the top, top clubs with limitless money to spend.
Gelhardt would no doubt want to stay too after being given his breakthrough on the big stage, with Marsch set to continue that into next season.
A new striker is set to arrive, but that is more of a worry for the likes of Dan James and Rodrigo, who underperformed despite their wages likely towering above Gelhardt’s.
The England sensation could become a cult hero at Elland Road in these years to come, with a new contract now on the cards in the next couple of months.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are readying a new bid for a blockbuster striker signing according to Phil Hay after Premier League survival