Joe Gelhardt has been linked with a move away from Leeds United. Credit: Imago

Graham Smyth baffled by Gelhardt transfer decision at Leeds United, 'Beyond me'

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Published on:

29 Nov 2024, 10:44 am

Graham Smyth could not believe that Leeds United chose not to loan out Joe Gelhardt during the summer transfer window.

MOT Leeds News were exclusively told that the 22-year-old is fed up with his lack of game time this season and wants a move away from Elland Road in January.

This comes after the striker was linked with a loan move away during the summer, and is now being linked with an exit once the next transfer window opens up [Yorkshire Evening Post].

Writing via the Yorkshire Evening Post newsletter [29 November], Smyth said: "Sometimes it seems like Leeds United don't quite know what to do with a young player and Joe Gelhardt is the latest of those.

"Why a loan move failed to materialise in the summer is beyond me, because there were so many takers and good opportunities. An Old Firm club would have been an incredible opportunity.

"A Championship play-off hopeful or even a team seeking midtable consolidation in the second tier would have done, though."

Leeds United decision causes confusion as Gelhardt frustrations boil over

Gelhardt has only made two Championship appearances this season, and having only been given two league starts last term as well, it is easy to see why Smyth is confused.

Loaning the young forward out would have been far more beneficial for all parties, especially if he were able to hit the ground running away from Elland Road.

Obviously, his move to Sunderland in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign was not a total success but he has yet to make more appearances since returning to Leeds in the summer.

Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United

Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford are all ahead of him in Daniel Farke's pecking order, and the likes of Manor Solomon, Wilfried Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Dan James could all play through the middle.

An exit during the January transfer window makes total sense for the Whites, and if Gelhardt wants to get his career back on tract, it is an absolute must.

In other Leeds United news, Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist react as Leeds named in David Coote FA probe.

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Leeds United

Graham Smyth

Joe Gelhardt