Why Joe Gelhardt is getting his wish as Leeds United exit discussions advance
Joe Gelhardt looks set to get his wish in joining Hull City as talks are now at an advanced stage over his Leeds United exit.
The 24-year-old has spent the past season-and-a-half on loan with Hull in the Championship.
Gelhardt scored 14 goals in 39 league outings last season to help the Tigers earn promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs.
Hull are now ramping up their preparations for their top-flight return, with Gelhardt very much on their radar.
With Gelhardt not part of Daniel Farke's plans, an Elland Road exit always seemed likely this summer.
And confirmation of the former England age-grade international moving on could now be imminent.
Who have Hull beaten to Joe Gelhardt's signature?
Hull this week emerged as the frontrunners for Gelhardt among competition from multiple other clubs.
Wrexham were also linked, as were Birmingham City, both of whom are in the Championship.
As per an update from Sky Sports' live transfer blog late on Tuesday, however, Hull are advancing in talks to sign Gelhardt.
Discussions are progressing well and there is now optimism a deal can be swiftly concluded.
The Tigers are said to have always been the forward's top choice, despite the interest from elsewhere, meaning he has got his wish.
Hull begin their Premier League campaign against Manchester United a week on Saturday.
While a Leeds exit was always on the cards for Gelhardt this window, things could have turned out a lot different in West Yorkshire.
Daniel Farke was once a huge fan of Gelhardt
Gelhardt will leave Leeds with a record of three goals in 57 appearances in all competitions.
It goes without saying that is not the best of returns, but two of those came in Gelhardt's first Premier League campaign.
That was under Marcelo Bielsa, who hailed Gelhardt a "really exciting" talent at the time.
Farke, meanwhile, said of Gelhardt in November 2024: "He's really top-class human being and he’s a quality player."
It was ultimately not to be for Gelhardt at Elland Road, but he will now get another shot at proving himself in the Premier League elsewhere.