Leeds United have not done much activity in the January transfer window but they have confirmed two exits this month, and one of them made his first start for his new club on Tuesday.
Charlie Crew has gone to League Two side Doncaster Rovers while Joe Gelhardt has ended up at Hull City on loan until the end of the season. On Tuesday night, Gelhardt was handed his first start for his new side.
Ruben Selles’ men suffered a 2-1 home defeat to QPR, but it was a momentous occasion for Gelhardt. The 22-year-old scored his first goal for Hull, having come on as a substitute on the weekend at Millwall.
Receiving a bouncing ball around 30 yards out, Gelhardt used both his aggression and strength to get in front of an opponent before looping an effort off the underside of the bar and into the back of the net.
Matt Murray in awe of Joe Gelhardt after Hull City goal
The 22-year-old is due some praise. While Daniel Farke has said Gelhardt is “unbelievable” in training, he has afforded the former Wigan striker just three appearances during 2024-25 at Leeds and only one start.
Reporting live on the game for Sky Sports News, former player Matt Murray described Gelhardt’s goal as something Wayne Rooney would be proud of – not the first time Gelhardt has been likened to Rooney.
“Built like Wayne Rooney and Rooney would have been proud of this finish. Muscles defender off, drops down, left foot, dipping volley. They always look good when they go in off the underside of the bar.”
Joe Gelhardt’s first Championship goal since April 2022
It has been a while since he found the back of the net. Indeed, his last goal came in the Carabao Cup with Leeds in an August 2023 win over Shrewsbury, one of three games Wilfried Gnonto refused to play in.
His last Championship goal actually came during his previous loan at Sunderland, scoring one of three goals while on loan at the Stadium of Light against Huddersfield back in April 2023, in his 20 matches.
Gelhardt has a contract at Leeds until the summer of 2027, meaning the striker still has two years left to run at Leeds at the end of his loan. But, the chances are his loan at Hull is to put him in the shop window.
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