Joe Gelhardt exit on cards as Ipswich want Leeds United striker deal

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Published on:

31 Aug 2023, 12:40 pm

Ipswich Town still want to sign Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt in a deadline-busting move, according to Darren Witcoop.

The Sunday Mirror journalist reported on his personal Twitter account on Thursday (31 August) that Kieran McKenna's side remain interested in signing the 21-year-old forward before the transfer window closes this summer.

Ipswich have confirmed the signing of England youth striker Dane Scarlett on a season-long loan from Tottenham and despite already adding youth to their frontline, would like to complete the signing of Gelhardt on top of their latest addition, it seems.

👇Scarlett has joined #ipswichtown. Very good move for Spurs and the player as it looked like another loan season in L1 was beckoning. Ipswich also do have an interest in Leeds’ Joe Gelhardt #ITFC #LUFC pic.twitter.com/4Z5aG4GBJg
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) August 31, 2023

A temporary exit may be on the cards for Gelhardt before the September 1 deadline, with Joel Piroe coming in and Patrick Bamford potentially set to return from injury soon.

Good for all parties

If Gelhardt isn't high in Daniel Farke's plans this season, a temporary switch to Portman Road seems like a wise call for all parties, with the player getting another experience for English football in a good side with a successful manager and Ipswich getting a bright talent.

When everyone is fit and available at Elland Road, the 21-year-old is unlikely to feature too often for the Whites, with Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Bamford all preferred as recognised strikers and plenty of wide options who are capable of deputising if need be.

The only issue Leeds may face in allowing Gelhardt to join Ipswich this summer is the fact the Tractor Boys seem to be well and truly in the hunt for the play-off places, if not direct promotion and lending them the striker's services may be viewed as strengthening a rival.

But with more incomings expected at Leeds before the transfer window closes on 1 September, Farke does need to make some room in his squad and a Championship loan switch for forward is an excellent way to free up some space and add a little bit more to the transfer pot.

In other Leeds United news, David Wagner has shut down suggestions a Norwich star could join the Whites this summer

Leeds United

Joe Gelhardt