Leeds United have a number of changes in store this summer, with some players unlikely to make the grade at Premier League level.
There will be upgrades to the first-team squad across most areas of the pitch, and a number of the current Championship side will be moved on if they are deemed incapable of operating in the Premier League to any sort of decent level and cash to be raised despite £250 million claims regarding Leeds.
Leeds should have plenty to spend this summer but making room for players in terms of wages and raising extra funds is also crucial in the transfer window. There is also the issue of players who have spent 2024/25 out on loan, either due to loan clauses or being out of favour under Daniel Farke.
That includes Sam Greenwood, Jack Harrison, and also Joe Gelhardt after a successful stint of development on loan with Hull City. The 23-year-old is under contract until 2027 but there is little chance of a role next season after struggling to make an impact in the first half of the current campaign.
Don Goodman makes Joe Gelhardt claim amid talk of Leeds United future
Gelhardt is one of a number of players at Leeds with an uncertain future heading into the summer transfer window, following a successful loan spell with Hull. He scored five goals during his loan from January, including key goals in their survival bid.
They came against the likes of Plymouth Argyle and Preston North End, and the versatile forward was vital in a number of roles for the Tigers and in several massive games to end their season just above the dotted line. That came after Gelhardt struggled to build any kind of rhythm at Elland Road.
He was in desperate need of a loan switch before deciding on his long-term future with Leeds in the summer. It doesn’t look likely to change any time soon after a total of nine minutes played in the Championship in the 2024/25 season prior to him joining Hull from the Whites.
It’s fair to say the loan switch has reinvigorated Gelhardt and allowed him the chance to flourish. Now, Don Goodman of Sky Sports believes he should be moved on this summer.
Speaking to Football League World, he said: “With Joe Gelhardt, it almost seems pointless keeping him at the football club if you’re Leeds United.
“He’s been there a long time and not made the breakthrough even when they’ve been in the Championship. So, for all parties, it would be the best thing for him to move on.
“Whether that’s to Hull or not remains to be seen. Obviously, it was a tough season last season and Joe is still looking to kick on, really.
“I remember him breaking through at Wigan, this talented young kid that everyone was excited about, but it hasn’t really kicked on yet.
“So, hopefully the best is yet to come for him.”
This comes after talk this week that Leeds will listen to offers for Gelhardt and Greenwood.
Hull City would be the best location for Gelhardt in 2025/26
Ruben Selles had a proven track record at Reading and has the same one at Hull when it comes to utilising and developing young players, with Gelhardt the latest beneficiary after moving from West to East Yorkshire.
Another loan spell may be the best thing for him, if not a permanent switch. Leeds could loan him if his wages prove to be too difficult to shift. However, either way, a move to Hull would perhaps be best given his development and Selles’ improvement with the Tigers — if the Hull boss remains in charge.
They will hope to look up the league rather than down it next term, which could see Gelhardt become a key player for a mid-table or top half Championship team. It could also increase his value in the process, too.
