Sunderland beat host of clubs to agree deal with Leeds United for Joe Gelhardt
Sunderland have won the race to sign Joe Gelhardt on loan after agreeing a deal with Leeds United, according to Keith Downie.
The 20-year-old forward has been pushed down the pecking order at Elland Road with the arrival of club-record signing Georginio Rutter and the emergence of Willy Gnonto.
Former side Wigan were thought to be the favourites to secure a return for the youngster, and were his preference, but as sides higher up the Championship joined the race the Latics were forced to sit and wait and now the Black Cats have come out on top.
Sky Sports journalist Downie reported via Twitter on Thursday evening (26 January): “EXCL: Sunderland have agreed a deal with Leeds United for striker Joe Gelhardt.
“The 20-year-old will sign on loan until the summer. Sunderland have beaten a host of Championship clubs to his signature.”
Big six months
Joffy was one of the stars of the relegation battle when he provided some of the only moments of actual joy during a difficult season last year.
Despite signing a new long-term deal in the summer which suggested he would be a central piece of Jesse Marsch’s side going forward he has actually regressed in prominence.
Patrick Bamford’s absence didn’t give him the open door that was expected as Rodrigo, and latterly the likes of Gnonto, have shone instead.
The second half of this season looks to be a vital factor in his status for next season, and is partly why Leeds United have delayed their decision on where he would go for so long through January.
With Wigan rooted to the bottom of the Championship it is thought that the Elland Road hierarchy wanted him to be playing at a higher level.
And despite the interest from fourth-placed Blackburn Rovers it is Sunderland in ninth who have won the race, after losing Ellis Simms to an Everton recall.
In other Leeds United news, the final step has been reached on a potentially transformative late window signing.