Leeds United risk Joe Gelhardt transfer howler as fee already set for exit
Leeds United loanee Joe Gelhardt is proving fantastic for Hull City, leading to talk of a permanent deal in the summer.
The attacker initially joined the club on a six-month loan deal in January 2025, before rejoining the club last summer.
Having found a home on Humberside, Gelhardt has played a huge part in the Tigers’ surge up the Championship standings this term, with Hull vying for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
The forward will have one year left on his current deal at Elland Road this summer, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Whites will be seeking around £3-5million for his permanent signature.
Gelhardt fell out of favour under Daniel Farke, and a permanent exit is likely the best option for Gelhardt – though Leeds are at risk of playing their part in a transfer howler with such a low fee.
- Read more: Hull City director shares ‘most important’ factor behind Joe Gelhardt and Leeds United transfer
Joe Gelhardt has proven himself in the Championship – mooted fee is too low
As is the case for proven goal-getters in any division, these players come at a premium price.
However, this is seemingly not the case for Gelhardt. While his contractual situation has to be considered, Hull would be getting an absolute bargain should they be able to secure him permanently for such a low fee.
Capable of playing in multiple roles, either out wide or through, Gelhardt’s versatility has proven huge for Hull, with only Coventry and Ipswich scoring more than the 55 registered by the Tigers.
If Sergej Jakirovic’s side were to stay in the Championship ahead of next term, they would be bringing in a player who guarantees goals for what is a bargain fee.
And while Leeds have to be realistic over a fee, anything below £5m if surely way below what can be expected if a bidding war ensues.
- Read more: Leeds told they have ‘special’ player in Joe Gelhardt as scoring streak continues at Hull City
Who are the Championship’s record signings?
In recent years, the finances behind signings in the Championship have continued to go up and up.
Leeds themselves made use of talent proven in the second tier during their most recent stint outside of the top-flight, with the likes of Joel Piroe and Joe Rodon joining the whites for a combined £20m fee – adding proven Championship quality to the sqaud.
Elsewhere, the likes of Britt Assombalonga, Helder Costa, Harry Wilson and more have all made big money moves within the division, having proven themselves at that level.
Championship record signings:
- Sindre Walle Egeli – Ipswich – £17m
- Mike Tresor – Burnley – £15.4m
- Ruben Neves – Wolves – £15.2m
- Britt Assombalonga – Middlesbrough – £14.54m
- Helder Costa – Wolves – £12.75m
Gelhardt fits into a similar bracket to the likes of Wilson, who impressed at a young age in the Championship. And in the modern football finance landscape, the fee mooted is simply far too low for a player who would guarantee goals for any side in the division.
This is even crazier when his 23 years of age are considered, with Gelhardt years away from hitting his prime.
Hull would be picking up a serious bargain, while Leeds are at risk of committing a transfer howler.
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