Joe Gelhardt update as Leeds United look to get rid of two players before January deadline
Leeds United are working to free up funds this January by trying to remove big wages from Elland Road, but are having no success, according to Alan Nixon.
The Sun journalist reported via his X account [23 January] that the wages of Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt are two of the players who could be moved on before 1 February.
Despite Luke Ayling and Darko Gyabi leaving the club on loan, and Djed Spence’s season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur being cut short, the Leeds hierarchy are still aiming for another two players to exit.
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Considering both players’ limited minutes on the pitch, it makes complete sense for Leeds to get rid of Gelhardt and Cresswell ahead of the transfer window closing.
Loan deals or permanent transfers could free up funds to make a couple of new transfers ahead of a busy schedule in the second half of the season, aiming for Premier League promotion.
Daniel Farke has expressed his desire to bring in a new full-back, and with clubs interested in taking Cresswell indefinitely, including Championship rivals Millwall, those funds could appear in the coming days. [LondonWorld]
As for Gelhardt, the forward has become increasingly frustrated by being overlooked by Farke, with 20-year-old Mateo Fernandez given more chances on the pitch in recent weeks instead of him.
Gelhardt has failed to hit the heights expected of him, which could see him leave Elland Road for longer than just a season-long loan. Either way, Leeds will want these deals to happen as soon as possible to open up funds before the transfer window closes.
In other Leeds United news, our Expert believes that the Whites could fine one of their players after an incident
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