Joe Gelhardt told to quit Leeds to avoid ‘pointless’ situation
Daniel Farke has to get his Leeds United side in shape for life in the Premier League.
The boss has done an excellent job with his squad this season, gaining promotion to the top flight as champions.
However, there remains plenty of work ahead for the Whites, who are keen to retain their spot and become a comfortable Premier League outfit.
Leeds United told to let go of Joe Gelhardt
Farke has built a strong Leeds squad, which provides a solid base in preparation for Premier League football.
However, all three promoted sides coming straight back down to the Championship once more this season serves as a reminder that there is still plenty of work to be done.
Although there is talent available to Farke, he undoubtedly needs to strengthen his side and one area that needs reinforcements is at the top end of the pitch.
Joel Piroe ended the season as the Championship’s highest goalscorer, although was unable to break the barrier of 20 goals.
Meanwhile, Mateo Joseph failed to get going and is linked with a move away from Elland Road, as is Patrick Bamford.
Someone else in Leeds’ ranks is Joe Gelhardt who spent the second half of the season on loan with Hull City, after making just two appearances for his parent club.
Although his contract in West Yorkshire runs until 2027, Don Goodman has urged Leeds to offload him now as he told Football League World (10 May): “With Joe Gelhardt it almost seems pointless keeping him at the football club if you’re Leeds United.
“So, for all parties it would be the best thing for him to move on.
“Whether that’s to Hull or not remains to be seen.
“Obviously, it was a tough season last season and Joe is still looking to kick on, really
“I remember him breaking through at Wigan, this talented young kid that everyone was excited about, but it hasn’t really kicked on yet.
“So, hopefully the best is yet to come for him.”
Gelhardt‘s future is not at Leeds
As Goodman says, Gelhardt is certainly someone who has shown potential but Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League has probably ended any hope of him pushing on there.
The 23-year-old seemed to be well settled at Hull and therefore, that suggests that a Championship move could be more appropriate for him to push on to the next stage of his career.
| Team | Appearances | Goals |
| Leeds United | 2 | 0 |
| Hull City | 20 | 5 |
Farke will already be looking at his attacking options, knowing he needs to add firepower at the top of the pitch and that is not going to come from the options within.
Offloading Gelhardt now would be best for all concerned, allowing both parties to look towards their own future.
Meanwhile, Jamie Vardy has been linked with a move to Elland Road to help solve the attacking issues.