Daniel Farke reiterated what he has done for the past few weeks and that is that the January transfer window will remain a quiet one for Leeds United this month.
But there are possible outgoings at Leeds this month. Six players have been linked with the exit door so far and one seems more likely than most, in the form of striker Joe Gelhardt on loan before the deadline.
Ahead of the January window, it was reported that Gelhardt was keen on leaving Leeds. That hardly is a surprise given Gelhardt has started just one game this season, making two appearances off the bench.
This is a player that was used regularly by Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch in the Premier League. Earlier this week it was claimed that Hull were closing in on his signature, but it seems a touch further away.
Daniel Farke has allowed Joe Gelhardt to speak to other clubs
It would not be the first time that Gelhardt has left Leeds on loan. Indeed, in the summer of 2023, the striker went on loan to Sunderland and played a key role in The Black Cats’ pursuit of promotion.
Play-off semi-final defeat saw him return to Leeds but he is still struggling to make an impact at Elland Road. Farke spoke candidly about Gelhardt, describing him as “unbelievable” but is willing to let him go.
“I have a pretty honest and open relationship with Joffy. I’ve told him any times I rate him and of course that is tough for him, the problem is the competition. You can’t back four strikers in the same way.
“It’s tough for him, he works his socks off in training, he knows I trust him. His behaviour is unbelievable. For that I totally understand if he thinks if it makes sense to go and get game time at a different club.
“I’ve allowed him to have conversations and when he feels it is best for him, he will knock at my door. But that’s not happened yet. Let’s see what happens over next few days,” Farke said in his press conference.
The clubs pushing to sign Joe Gelhardt in January window
Hull are leading the charge to sign Gelhardt, but there are other clubs pursuing him. Plymouth were keen but sacking Wayne Rooney has hampered a move, while Sam Greenwood’s Preston are also interested.
QPR have been linked with Gelhardt, as have Scottish side Rangers as well as other Championship clubs like Stoke City. Gelhardt might well be involved on Saturday when Leeds take on Harrogate in the Cup.
That is of course, if Leeds do not sanction a loan move for him before the clash against Harrogate and even if they don’t, Leeds may want to keep Gelhardt fit and not risk him ahead of a potential love move.
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