By Sam Stone

2nd Dec, 2022 | 2:40pm

Leeds United exit for Joe Gelhardt could give Jesse Marsch green light to sign attacker

Joe Gelhardt has endured a tough season for Leeds United with the youngster failing to kick on after his impressive end to the 2021/22 campaign.

The 20-year-old has played eleven times in the Premier League this season, however, the majority of his appearances have come from the substitutes bench.

It appears Jesse Marsch is eager for the youngster to get more minutes in the tank, with Leeds All Over suggesting (1 December) the club are looking at potential loan suitors for the young attacker.

From Gelhardt’s perspective, it’s probably the best thing for him at the minute, with the attacker struggling to make an impact. Going out on loan and getting gaining some game time and confidence could kickstart his career at Elland Road in the long run.

Marsch could also be looking at this scenario from a transfer perspective. He desperately needs to add an experienced goalscorer to his ranks, and if he does, it will push Gelhardt even further down the pecking order. By getting the youngster out on loan it could well create some space for the American to add a striker to his ranks.

CBS Sport report (25 November) Leeds are in hot pursuit of Senegal striker Boulaye Dia, with the 26-year-old getting set to face England in their World Cup round of 16 clash in Qatar.

Another attacking addition to be linked with Elland Road is Brazil striker Pedro, with CBS journalist Ben Jacobs suggesting (1 December) Marsch is a “big fan” of the 25-year-old.

It’s a shame for Gelhardt, but ultimately Leeds need proven goalscoring pedigree to drag them away from the relegation zone, particularly with Patrick Bamford’s poor form.

If the youngster does depart, it would not be a shock to see a quality replacement arrive not too long after.

In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani posted a “very intense” reaction after witnessing what his players were up against at the World Cup.