Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Sun 5 April 2026 9:07, UK

Leeds United could alter their financial demands if Hull City are to keep Joe Gelhardt beyond this season.

The 23-year-old joined the Tigers on loan in the summer for the second time after a prior temporary spell last season.

He has stepped up to a new level at the MKM Stadium this time around and is attracting interest from various outfits, including Rangers.

Regardless of transfer links, an Elland Road return will be on the cards in the summer before a final decision can be made.

Hull City want Gelhardt to stay with them, but that may hinge on whether they can stretch to cover new demands from LS11.

Hull City could be priced out of Joe Gelhardt return

There haven’t been too many opportunities available to the forward to prove how good he can be in West Yorkshire over the years.

He has departed on three loan spells away from Elland Road and has now hit the ground running in the second tier.

Having contributed to 17 goals already this campaign, he will be hopeful of adding to his tally in the Tigers’ final six league games.

Hull will be hopeful that after those outings, Gelhardt will return for another season, with Alan Nixon reporting via his Patreon on Sunday that they want him back in the summer.

The terms of any deal with Leeds may prove to be different after such an excellent return, something that could stretch their finances too far if they remain in the Championship.

Gelhardt may wish to stay at Hull for the long-term, but as it stands, the decision over his future will be in Leeds’ hands.

Rangers also want Gelhardt from Leeds United

Even if the second-tier side can afford the forward’s return, they won’t be happy to learn that Rangers are also interested in his signature.

Nixon details that the Scottish Premiership title challengers have been watching the loanee this season.

The Ibrox club share a link with Leeds through the 49ers ownership share in both outfits, which could impact a potential deal.

That won’t represent good news for Hull City, who may fear that their joint-top scorer could be on his way elsewhere in the summer.

Leeds have a massive decision to make once the window opens, with plenty of options to select from at this stage.