Leeds United currently have one of the most in-form strikers in English football on the books, as Joe Gelhardt continues to impress for Hull City.
Daniel Farke is coming under fire from all angles as his Leeds side continue to struggle in the Premier League.
One frequent criticism of the Leeds boss centres around his treatment of the club’s young players, with Charlie Cresswell earning praise in France following his departure from Leeds.
Joe Gelhardt is another player that Farke deemed surplus to requirements, only for him to find a rich vein of form at Hull City.
However, despite Gelhardt’s run of form and Leeds’ lack of goals, the Whites must resist the temptation to recall the forward, as he reiterated his commitment to Hull after another goal.
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What has Joe Gelhardt said about a potential Leeds United recall?
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Gelhardt repeated his previous comments, affirming that his sole focus is on performing well for Hull City.
Leeds are understood to have an option in their favour which allows them to recall Gelhardt in January. However, the Leeds forward is leaving negotiations about his future to his agent.
Gelhardt said: “I got asked this the other day. I haven’t heard anything from Leeds, to be fair, about a recall.
“I know, I think there might be a recall option, but I leave that up to my agent. I don’t really focus on that. I’m just focused on playing football.
“At the minute, I’m a Hull City player. I’m proud to wear the shirt whenever I put it on, and I’ll continue to do that.”
The case against Leeds United recalling Joe Gelhardt in January
With Leeds struggling to break teams down, Gelhardt looks an attractive option to the Leeds fans following his strong run of form this season.
However, although Gelhardt returning to Elland Road and firing Leeds to safety is a romantic notion, the 49ers have to hold their nerve and allow the forward to end the season in the Championship.
Tony Mowbray said Gelhardt needed time to develop earlier this season, and his form at Hull is proving him right. Gelhardt can only benefit from more time to develop playing at a lower level.
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“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
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Then there is the PSR angle. Although Gelhardt may have a future at Leeds, every Championship goal boosts his value and makes him a viable option to sell on for a profit. If he returns to the Premier League and struggles, Leeds may risk losing him on a free at the end of next season.
Finally, there is a realistic chance that he would not play if he returned to Elland Road. Brenden Aaronson currently has a limpet-like grip on his place in the first team, leaving Dan James and Willy Gnonto warming the bench.
The worst thing Leeds could do is recall Gelhardt for him to sit on the bench. The best thing for Leeds, Hull and Gelhardt is for him to see out the season in the Championship.
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