Clever Nick Hammond move at Leeds United may go unnoticed as Joe Gelhardt looks set to join Hull City

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Joe Gelhardt is set to become the first Leeds United player to leave Elland Road in the January transfer window with a loan move to Hull City expected to be announced any minute.

Leeds have sanctioned Joe Gelhardt’s move to Hull City with the striker said to have been impressed with Hull’s comeback against Leeds in The Whites’ most-recent Championship outing, prior to Harrogate.

It hardly comes as a surprising move. Gelhardt has only been afforded three appearances by Daniel Farke, just one start which came in the form of the Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough back in August.

So, Gelhardt is set for a move to Hull on loan and Beren Cross – The Athletic’s new Leeds United reporter – has delivered details regarding Gelhardt’s loan move to Ruben Selles’ side in the coming hours.

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Beren Cross delivers details on Joe Gelhardt’s move to Hull City

Gelhardt has a contract at Leeds until June 2027 and while he is not getting the game time at Elland Road, there remains a real player in the striker. However, Hull was his first inclusion in the squad since October.

There was a reason Gelhardt signed a contract in the summer of 2022 and that shows Leeds have faith in him even if he has been unable to show it. That is why, as Cross reports, there is no clause in his loan deal.

“Joe Gelhardt’s been at Hull’s training ground this morning after yesterday’s medical. Each club expects it to go through without any issues. Expected to be a straight loan with no option or obligation to buy.”

Nick Hammond plays savvy move with Joe Gelhardt transfer

Farke has said Gelhardt is “unbelievable” in training with an excellent attitude and work ethic. He is well-liked at Elland Road and the fact a permanent clause in his contract shows that, but it’s also a savvy move.

Nick Hammond is heading the Leeds recruitment team. Selling Gelhardt, or including a permanent clause currently with Gelhardt’s value, would have seen The Whites see him leave for good on the cheap.

Sanctioning a dry loan to Hull allows Gelhardt a chance to go and shine, and allow his value to increase if he impresses at Hull. That gives Leeds the option of reincluding a top player, or bring in a bigger fee.