Gelhardt can make Farke regret decision he’s made on Leeds United teammate
Joe Gelhardt has a point to prove to many at Leeds United as he prepares to head out on loan this month.
The forward has fallen by the wayside at Elland Road this season, barely featuring under Daniel Farke as he edges closer to a loan move to fellow Championship side Hull City (James Hoggarth, 12 January).
In a one-man attacking system deployed by the manager, Gelhardt has been fourth-choice behind Mateo Joseph, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford. The latter has enjoyed only sporadic action, too, while Joseph has not scored since October despite fairly regular game time.
Gelhardt will argue he could have presented a superior output in front of goal to Joseph, albeit with Piroe having netted 10 goals and claimed five assists in 16 starts.
Gelhardt needs permanent exit rather than loan from Leeds United
Despite having suffered with a hip injury in recent weeks, Gelhardt has been at the bottom of the pecking order even when fit, playing just eight Championship minutes this season.
His contract is not up until the summer 2027, which makes it difficult for interested clubs to weigh in with a bid to buy him outright; instead, his options come in the form of loan moves.
The 22-year-old’s point to prove means he is likely to enjoy a fruitful spell with survival-chasing Hull as long as Ruben Selles utilises him in his best position and plays to his strengths.
But temporary switches also diminish the immediate opportunity to set up a new footballing home elsewhere and buy entirely into a new project under a fresh managerial plan and new teammates.
Gelhardt would not be blamed for wanting to stay on the books at Leeds, a club still heavy favourites to return to the Premier League.
But, realistically, his chances of emulating the Whites’ great attacking players are slim and he needs a new environment where he can play in the right shape to his best attributes.
If he goes and bangs in the goals, though, then Farke may have regret in persevering with Joseph so long instead of giving Gelhardt his chance to shine.
In other Leeds news, Farke makes a surprised admission on Ilia Gruev following his return.
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