One Leeds United player dominated at the weekend, but unfortunately it wasn’t for their parent club and they could be a huge miss this season.
The Yorkshire side have conducted plenty of transfer business at this stage of the transfer window.
Leeds are still trying to nail down a number nine, with AC Milan’s Noah Okafor still a target while goalkeeper Illan Meslier will have to accept a pay cut to join his old side, Lorient.
Amongst all this transfer business, there’s one loan move that could come back to haunt Leeds this season.
- READ MORE: Leeds United transfer news & rumours including Noah Okafor latest as a player exit edges closer
Joe Gelhardt’s dominant performance for Hull City
Joe Gelhardt has moved to Hull City on loan for a second time, as the promising forward is once again not in Daniel Farke’s plans, despite Marcelo Bielsa believing Gelhardt to be ‘Premier League level’.
With some Leeds fans disappointed he has departed yet again, Gelhardt put on a sensational display at the weekend, showing the Whites what they’re missing in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Oxford.
The Leeds United loanee needed just two minutes to get on the scoresheet, driving into the box and firing a powerful shot past the goalkeeper at his near post to give Hull an early lead.
| Minutes played | 88 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots on target | 4 |
| Touches in opposition box | 5 |
| Passes into final third | 2 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Corners | 3 |
The forward wasn’t done there, as he turned provider for Hull’s second goal. He picked out teammate Matt Crooks with a brilliant pass; Crooks then finished composedly to restore the Tigers’ advantage.
Gelhardt was a constant threat throughout the first half, showing excellent energy and creativity. He was a central figure in Hull’s attacking play before being substituted late in the game to a warm ovation from the home fans.
Why Adam Underwood has made a mistake with Joe Gelhardt
Despite Joe Gelhardt telling Hull he wanted the return, it could be a mistake by Leeds United.
With the club preparing for a tough Premier League season, Gelhardt’s proven attacking threat is exactly the kind of reinforcement they will miss.
He has already made a considerable impact in the top flight, featuring for Leeds in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, where he made 35 appearances and contributed six goal involvements.
Some of his most memorable contributions came during the crucial 2021-22 relegation fight. He scored a dramatic last-minute winner against Norwich City at Elland Road, and was involved in a key stoppage-time penalty against Wolves in a 1-1 draw, showcasing his knack for delivering under pressure.
While the decision may have been influenced by financial regulations, losing a player who knows the club and has already proven he can be a game-changer in the top flight is a huge gamble.
His ability to create and score will surely be a big miss for the Whites this season.
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