Joe Gelhardt on new bumper wages at Leeds United as exit takes another twist

Joe Gelhardt is once again facing a summer of speculation at Leeds United.

The young striker is now officially in the final year of his contract at Elland Road, after years of loans.

Despite a term with Sunderland and two spells with Hull City, he has never been able to break into Daniel Farke's plans.

That is even after being compared to Wayne Rooney as a young striker, but that only takes you so far.

Gelhardt did help Hull return to the Premier League through the play-offs last season, with many expecting a permanent exit to follow.

Leeds may have just made sure that isn't the case, though.

Joe Gelhardt's contract change hits transfer plans hard

With one year left on his deal, Leeds are likely in a position to accept bids that come their way.

But, an apparent payrise may halt that.

Alan Nixon has reported via his Patreon that Gelhardt has secured "an even bigger deal" in his final year.

The journalist states that the transfer fee wanted isn't an issue for Hull, but his new wages mean cheaper options could be explored.

Contracts do tend to naturally rise in each year, with added bonuses also included that can fluctuate.

It could just shoot Leeds United in the foot.

What has Joe Gelhardt said about Leeds exit?

Despite some iconic moments in his time in LS11, everybody agrees that now is the right time to part ways.

Gelhardt has openly admitted that he loved playing for Hull, and promotion to the Premier League will only add fuel to the fire.

Playing out wide or as a striker alongside Oli McBurnie, the former Wigan talent scored 15 Championship goals last season.

Hull were forced to sell players after promotion to stay in line with the Premier League's financial regulations, so it's been a rough couple of weeks.

While the end of the financial year has passed and fears allayed, Hull, just like Leeds, face different perameters after promotion.

That means not spending as much, unless you can sell big.

Gelhardt ticks boxes in that regard for both clubs, Hull want him and he's likely cheaper than a massive name, and Leeds will sell knowing it improves their transfer position.

Let's just hope these new wages don't scupper it completely for both.