‘I’m happy where I am’ – Leeds United loanee may have just hinted at Elland Road exit
Upon their return to the Premier League, Leeds United loaned out several of their first-team players, and one may have just hinted at a permanent exit.
Mateo Joseph joined Mallorca in the summer, and the centre-forward was one of six who confirmed a temporary departure from Elland Road.
The 22-year-old has since produced four goal involvements in 11 La Liga appearances this term, with Joseph admitting he’s ‘very happy’ at Mallorca after finding form.
But whilst the young striker is impressing in Spain, Joe Gelhardt is shining in the Championship with Hull City and has just offered an update on his future.
Joe Gelhardt is ‘happy’ at Hull City
After scoring five goals in 20 outings from January to May last term, Hull secured the loan signing of Gelhardt from Leeds in the summer.
The 23-year-old, who sees his contract in West Yorkshire expire in June 2027, wasn’t a part of Daniel Farke’s plans upon their return to the Premier League.
Gelhardt has since been compared to Dennis Bergkamp after plundering seven goals and assisting twice in 15 Championship appearances in 2025/26.
| Joe Gelhardt’s 2025/26 Championship stats |
| 15 appearances |
| 7 goals |
| 2 assists |
| 2.5 shots per game |
| 2 big chances created |
| 19% goal conversion |
Becoming a fan favourite in East Yorkshire due to his relentless finishing and pressing from the front, Hull fans want him to join the club permanently, and it appears the Englishman is on board with that plan.
Speaking to BBC Sport about his future, Gelhardt said: “It’s clear to see there was genuine interest, but it was killed quite quickly.
“Me and the manager both said, I’m happy where I am, and I’m ready to play for Hull for however long that is and put the Hull shirt on and crack on.
“I’ve done that and I’m still continuing to do that. I’m happy here. I love playing for the club.”
Gelhardt has found a home at the MKM Stadium after being frozen out by Farke, with some supporters even demanding that Leeds recall the forward.
What Sergej Jakirovic has said about Gelhardt
In Hull’s most recent match, Gelhardt scored the winner against Portsmouth in a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Tigers.
The youngster brought Charlie Hughes’ incredible long ball down before lobbing the ball perfectly over Josef Bursik.
It was a result that cemented Hull’s place in the play-offs, with manager Sergej Jakirovic labelling Gelhardt as ‘special’ after the game.
“When I watched him in last season’s games, I begged Mr Chairman (Acun Ilicali) to bring him back here,” Jakirovic said.
“He likes playing here and he wanted to come back here. He has a completely different profile to the players we have.
“He has the quality to play in a number of positions and is able to pass, shoot and has speed, which is special.
“He’s 23 years old and maybe he can reach the Premier League. But, right now, he’s made the difference.”
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