Special discretion rule explained for Joe Gelhardt return as Leeds United seek extra firepower in survival bid
Joe Gelhardt will be massively unlikely to feature for Leeds United again this season even if Sunderland get knocked out of the Championship play-offs, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth has explained.
The 21-year-old forward is on loan at the Black Cats, who finished sixth in the top tier and have a two-leg tie against Luton Town to look forward – the second of which takes place on Tuesday 16 May.
Beleaguered Leeds would still have games against West Ham and Tottenham to come after that date and fans were hopeful Gelhardt may be available if Sunderland do not reach the final at Wembley.
However, Smyth explained that while one or both clubs usually have an option to end a loan deal early that can only happen during a transfer window, leaving Gelhardt unavailable to play for Leeds until next month.
He added that while special discretion rules have been used on occasion in the past they have tended to be reserved for goalkeepers, so Gelhardt is unlikely to pull on a Leeds shirt again until next season, whichever league they are in.
Time for Leeds to go all in on Gelhardt
Leeds’ uncertainty over what division they will play in must not cloud their judgement when it comes to their use of Gelhardt next season.
Whether it’s Premier League survival or an unwanted return to the Championship, the former Wigan Athletic man can be of use to the Whites, regardless of who is in charge at Elland Road next term.
A return of three goals in 18 Championship appearances may not be the sort of return Leeds fans will want to see but his industry and direct running can be a real threat, especially if it is second-tier football next term.
At 21, Gelhardt is obviously still not yet the finished product but at some point Leeds need to take the gamble and make him a focal point of their attack. Well, there is no time like the present and next season could be a make-or-break one for Gelhardt and his future at Leeds.
In other Leeds United news, two further staff members are expected to join Victor Orta in departing Elland Road as the fallout from a poor campaign continues.