Joe Gelhardt set for 'inevitable' Leeds United exit on loan in January - journalist

Joe Gelhardt looks set to be heading out of Leeds United on loan in the January transfer window, according to Richard Garnett.

Writing on the Daily Express website on Monday (27 November), the journalist said the 21-year-old made a "huge impact" when he broke into the Whites team two years ago.

But he believes that after the English forward hasn't played since coming off the bench against Millwall on 17 September, it appears "inevitable" that he will leave Elland Road on loan this season.

"Scouser 'Joffy' made a huge impact when he broke into the Leeds team in 2021, but after struggling to get game time last season, he went on loan to Sunderland for the second half of the season," said Garnett.

"Gelhardt has made only five appearances for Leeds this season, with his most recent outing on September 17 as a substitute against Millwall. As a result, another January loan move feels inevitable."

Needs game-time

There is no doubt that Gelhardt is certainly in need of game-time after he hasn't featured for the Leeds first team for more than two months.

The forward would have been hoping that his chances would have increased at Elland Road after heading out on loan to Sunderland in the second half of last season.

After featuring in seven out of the first eight games of this campaign, he has fallen well down the pecking order under Daniel Farke.

That is largely down to the form of fellow attackers Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe, while Patrick Bamford has also returned to the side after missing the first couple of months through injury.

It feels unlikely that Gelhardt will be able to push his way back into contention this season, so a loan move would be the best solution to help him build some confidence back up and ensure his career doesn't stall too much.

In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth believes Whites fans may not want a loanee to return after what he said.