Leeds United: Joe Gelhardt exit news emerges at Elland Road, top wages need to be paid
“Top wages” are in demand for Leeds United outcast Joe Gelhardt if a team is to sign the young striker during the January transfer window, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon.
The 21-year-old has made just two league starts under Daniel Farke this season, last appearing for a minute during Leeds’ 3-0 win over Millwall in September.
With Hull City said to be targeting the forward for a loan deal next month, Nixon has revealed that there are a couple of demands to be met if Liam Rosenior wants to add Gelhardt to his Hull arsenal.
“Several Championship clubs are keen but Hull head the list,” Nixon said via his Patreon on Sunday (10 December).
“However, they would have to pay top wages and also offer first-team games.”
A much-needed escape
Gelhardt has had a very mixed career with the Whites since joining the club from Wigan Athletic in August 2018. While he has managed 18 goals in 26 appearances for Leeds’ U23s, his senior career at Elland Road has been far from successful.
Unwanted last season during Leeds’ disaster campaign in the Premier League, the young prospect was sent out on loan to Sunderland, where he made 20 appearances and scored three times.
Hull are very knowledgeable of Gelhardt’s talents, with the striker scoring for Sunderland in a 4-4 with the Tigers last season.
But Gelhardt has only made seven appearances this season, with his only goal coming in the EFL Cup. It is time for a change and Hull are an ideal suitor to fix his confidence in front of goal.
However, a high demand for wages is a glaring border between Gelhardt and a move away from Leeds. If a club is to sign the striker on loan, they need to be very optimistic that he can pay them back with some vital goals and all-round important team play.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites player has reacted after being told what Marcelo Bielsa recently asked about him.