Wayne Rooney sack scuppers Leeds transfer, deal now in the balance
Joe Gelhardt could miss out on a loan switch from Leeds United to Plymouth Argyle after Wayne Rooney's sacking, according to Alan Nixon.
The Sun journalist reported via his Patreon (5 January) that with Gelhardt cleared to seal a loan move away from Elland Road this month, he had hoped to link up with Rooney at Home Park.
However, Rooney's dismissal by the Argyle on New Years' Eve has left any potential deal for Gelhardt "in the balance", with the 22-year-old keen to get more minutes after being linked with several British clubs.
Joe Gelhardt's Leeds United exit likely despite Plymouth setback
Since first bursting onto the scene as an ace in the pack off the bench in the 2021/22 Premier League season, Gelhardt's minutes at Elland Road have fallen year-on-year at an increasing rate.
From 20 league appearances in that watershed season for the now 22-year-old, he's made 15, then 10, and just two so far this term, falling further and further down the pecking order for Daniel Farke's side.
January 2023 saw Gelhardt depart on loan to Sunderland and miss the run which led to United's relegation, but despite being back in the second tier, he's found game-time even harder to come by.
As a result, the forward moving on once again – with a view to a permanent departure – looks inevitable this month, and despite Rooney's departure, heading to Plymouth could still be the best option.
Darko Gyabi has gone from strength to strength on loan at Home Park and is a mainstay in Argyle's midfield, and Gelhardt joining him could provide the uptick in results which Rooney was unable to deliver.
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.