Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Sun 5 April 2026 13:40, UK

Leeds United already have a dilemma surrounding the future of Joe Gelhardt.

The 23-year-old is currently out on loan at Hull City and has had a terrific campaign in his second spell at the MKM Stadium.

He has been one of the better players in the entire Championship and is just six games away from the end of the regular season.

The Englishman will return to Elland Road in the coming weeks and receive a definitive answer about his future in West Yorkshire.

Gelhardt is attracting interest ahead of the summer window, but keeping hold of him could prove to be the best thing the Whites can do.

Joe Gelhardt linked with summer exit from Elland Road

The attacker was a massive talent when he completed his switch from Wigan Athletic to LS11 back in 2020.

Things haven’t worked out as he would have hoped at Elland Road, as he has been sent out on three individual loan spells.

He has had limited chances with Leeds and has been sent away before truly getting his feet under the table in Yorkshire.

That has seemingly had a negative impact on his career, until this season, where he has clocked up a superb 17 second-tier goal involvements with time to spare.

Scottish Premiership giants Rangers and Hull City have now shown an interest in signing Gelhardt in the summer.

Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon on Sunday that the 49ers’ link with the Ibrox club could help make a deal happen if they so wish.

Gelhardt has been strongly linked with a Leeds exit, but why get rid of a player who could have a telling impact next season in LS11?

Gelhardt could thrive for Leeds United next season

Daniel Farke will be confident in keeping his side in the Premier League despite recent struggles with results.

If the Whites steer clear of the Championship, bringing in fresh faces to help evolve the squad will be of paramount importance.

Although Gelhardt may not be new in Leeds, he could certainly have a telling impact and help to rise the table next season.

He is great with the ball at his feet and is comfortable driving forward with the ball or taking opportunities as and when they fall to him.

The Englishman can also feature as a striker or as a number 10, something which could be massively useful alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin, rather than Joel Piroe.

There are plenty of plus points to associate with Gelhardt, so letting him go could prove to be a mistake.