When Joe Gelhardt could make his Hull debut as Leeds give forward his wish
Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt is close to completing a season-long loan return to Hull City.
The forward spent the second half of last season with the Tigers and has reportedly been keen on a return this summer.
Leeds United need another striker with Patrick Bamford set to leave, but will not stand in the 23-year-old’s way.
The Whites have already signed Lukas Nmecha in attack, but are still on the lookout for a new frontman capable of scoring regularly in the Premier League.
Gelhardt could make second Hull debut on Saturday
Gelhardt looked to be Leeds’ next breakout star in the 2021/22 season.
The striker had thrived at the youth level and started to regularly appear off the bench for Marcelo Bielsa, scoring his first Premier League goal against Chelsea.
And the youngster continued to play when the Argentine was replaced by Jesse Marsch in February 2022.
It was Gelhardt’s crucial winner against Norwich that started the run of three wins in five matches that saw Leeds survive relegation on the final day.
| Joe Gelhardt | Premier League 2 |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 4 |
The striker continued to play in the following campaign but was loaned out to Sunderland for the second half of the season, seeking a more consistent starting role.
The two seasons since Leeds’ relegation to the Championship, and Daniel Farke’s appointment as head coach, have seen Gelhardt struggle for minutes.
But Gelhardt’s loan to Hull City last season looked to have given him a new lease of life, scoring five goals in 20 appearances as the Tigers survived their own relegation battle.
And now Gelhardt is set to return despite interest from Middlesbrough, with Radio Humberside’s Mike White reporting via X on 7 August that the England youth international is expected to join up with the squad for Hull’s Championship opener against Coventry on Saturday.
- Read more: Another Leeds player expected to seal exit
Loan move should prove beneficial for Gelhardt
Gelhardt’s future at Leeds beyond this season is unclear. The striker will be entering the final year of his contract next season and is unlikely to be part of Farke’s squad if the Whites survive relegation.
But a positive loan for the 23-year-old should prove beneficial for both parties.
For Gelhardt, to get a desirable move, and for Leeds, who will undoubtedly be able to acquire a strong fee should the forward perform well.
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