‘Leeds United don’t see Joe Gelhardt as their player – We want to sign him immediately’
Leeds United will have a decision to make on Joe Gelhardt’s future in the summer, and it appears he could be leaving Elland Road.
Hull captured Gelhardt on a season-long loan in August, with the 23-year-old returning to East Yorkshire for a second spell after joining in January 2025.
The Englishman netted five times in 20 Championship outings for the Tigers during his first spell, and since returning to the MKM Stadium, he has reached new heights in front of goal.
Gelhardt’s winning goal for Hull against Portsmouth before the break took him to seven goals in 15 second-tier appearances this term, surpassing Oli McBurnie as the club’s top scorer.
But with his future at Leeds looking uncertain, Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic has already outlined his plan.
Hull City want to sign Joe Gelhardt permanently in the summer
Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside’s Mike White, Jakirovic admits he wants the Tigers to strike a permanent deal for Gelhardt in the summer.
🗣️ “We will try to buy him”
— BBC Humberside Sport (@HumbersideSport) November 20, 2025
🎥 WATCH: @HullCity boss Sergej Jakirovic on summer transfer plans for @LUFC loan forward Joe Gelhardt 👇🏻
🎧 LISTEN: full interview including QPR team news & preview 👉🏻 https://t.co/3m1ibbX76d#hcafc | @RadioHumberside pic.twitter.com/XuDc4Xcbvn
“I know that Joe is very happy to be here and from the first contact he wants to come to us because he’s enjoying it here and he told me he will stay till end of the season,” Jakirovic said. “We will try to also buy him to be our player, so we will see. I don’t think Leeds see him as a player for Leeds.”
“Of course, this is their opinion, but right now, he’s showing very good performance and also a very high level of his playing because his statistic is amazing.”
Gelhardt has admitted he’s ‘happy’ at Hull, and with his contract at Leeds expiring in June 2027, the 49ers have to decide whether to cash in next summer or risk letting him leave on a free transfer the following year.
Hull will be able to buy players next summer once their transfer embargo gets lifted, and that is why Jakirovic has placed him on his shopping list.
Gelhardt’s impressive Hull City stats
In the absence of the injured McBurnie, Gelhardt has become a talisman for the Championship play-off hopefuls with five goals and two assists in his last six appearances.
Gelhardt has even been compared to Dennis Bergkamp by Jakirovic for his nonchalance in front of goal, showcasing composure in the crucial moments.
On the other hand, Leeds have struggled to score goals in the top-flight, and find themselves second-worst in the division.
| Joe Gelhardt’s 2025/26 Championship stats per 90 |
| 0.57 non-penalty goals |
| 0.38 non-penalty xG |
| 3.02 shots |
| 3.52 shot-creating actions |
| 1.47 passes into the penalty area |
| 1.14 aerials won |
| 2.13 fouls drawn |
Whilst he’s unproven in the Premier League, Gelhardt’s statistics prove he could step up to the level one day, as he ranks in the top eight per cent of Championship forwards for non-penalty goals and top 14 per cent for total shots.
That is data any forward would be proud of, with the former Wigan Athletic man continuing to fly away from Leeds.
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