Mergim Berisha transfer: Leeds United update shared as Gelhardt exit nears
Leeds United are unlikely to chase a deal for Mergim Berisha this month despite Joe Gelhardt’s imminent exit, according to Leeds Live.
Isaac Johnson’s report (12 January) suggests despite Gelhardt’s loan move to Hull City edging closer after travelling for a medical (Leeds Live, 13 January), Daniel Farke is not in the market to sign his compatriot from Hoffenheim in January.
Berisha, 26, has two caps for Germany and had been earmarked as a potential replacement for Gelhardt, but he is not included on a transfer radar the Whites are currently working through.
The striker was branded “exceptional in the box” by former coach Enrico Maassen (via Bundesliga News, 4 February 2023) – for whom Berisha played at FC Augsburg – scoring nine times in a 23-game loan spell before signing permanently, later moving to Hoffenheim.
Leeds United do not need another striker
Leeds United will be looking to strengthen in the January window, but a centre-forward is not really the ultimate priority.
Even with Gelhardt leaving, Farke is relatively well covered unless he tears up the floorboards and completely revamps his attacking system. If he was to play with two strikers, Berisha could have been an option.
Gelhardt is clearly a capable player, which is what has drawn the significant Championship interest. However, his best attributes do not really fit Farke’s setup, and he is surplus to requirements as a striker with Mateo Joseph, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford all still at Elland Road.
The 22-year-old needs regular football as much as Leeds need promotion, and his unnecessary presence at the club could stunt a potential pathway for a young player.
He will return to Thorp Arch upon completion of his loan but will be reassessed on his future in the summer; for now, Leeds regardless have enough attacking players to cover.
In other Leeds news, a Premier League defender has been strongly linked with a mid-season move to Elland Road.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.