Leeds United could be due something of a clearout this summer, and with many new signings expected it could make a big squad turnover.
Leeds United are poised to break the bank this summer, in a bid to ready themselves for the Premier League after they secured promotion on Easter Monday.
The 49ers want Leeds United to stabilise in the Premier League and are eyeing up a top eight finish within the next five years. But their determination may mean some tough decisions need to be made, no less regarding the future of manager Daniel Farke.
Reports on Wednesday revealed how Leeds United are considering Farke’s position at Elland Road despite promotion. Farke could yet be axed because of his poor historical Premier League record and replaced with someone more tried and tested in the top flight.
But it’s not just Farke whose future at the club is in doubt. There seems to be several players either up for sale or simply looking set to move on, with Illan Meslier now expected to leave Leeds United, possibly along with Junior Firpo who’s out of contract.
Joe Gelhardt suggests he wants to leave Leeds United
Another name who could yet join the likes of Meslier and Firpo out the exit door this summer is striker Joe Gelhardt. In the January transfer window, Gelhardt joined Hull City on loan and he’s since become a fan favourite with five goals in 18 Championship appearances for the Tigers.
Hull City fans are desperate for Gelhardt to sign permanently ahead of the 2025/26 season. And speaking to Hull Live the 22-year-old frontman has hinted that he’s also desperate to leave Leeds United this summer, with his man aim for next season simply to play football which he’s unlikely to do with Leeds United in the Premier League.
Gelhardt said: “I wasn’t playing at Leeds, and now I’ve got a taste of football. I don’t want to be sitting on a bench and not playing my football. I’ve enjoyed it so much here, so I’d like to play football again next year. I don’t know where that’s going to be, but I definitely want to be playing football.”
Hull City manager Ruben Selles has solved the Joe Gelhardt puzzle
With Leeds and in other loan spells away from the club, Gelhardt hasn’t really lived up to the hype. But he’s found his footing at Hull City and he has manager Ruben Selles to thank for his upturn in form.
The 22-year-old has been deployed across the frontline: in the no.9 position and on the flanks too. Speaking earlier in the year, Selles gave his verdict on Gelhardt’s position, explaining: “I see him more playing coming from the side to the centre because his physical attributes in terms of the intensity and the pressure are really good. I see him more [in a] dynamic winger position, but he also can play in the centre.”
Even though Leeds’ front-line isn’t brimming with depth, expect Gelhardt and the club to part ways this summer as Leeds United will no doubt bolster in attack with names who could really benefit the club in the Premier League.
Leeds United are back in action against Bristol City on Monday night.
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