Leeds United and Adam Underwood’s stance on recalling Joe Gelhardt from Hull City in January

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Of all the players on Leeds United’s books, Joe Gelhardt is probably top of the list when it comes to form. The striker has found a home at Hull City and is starring under Sergej Jakirovic.

Considered one of the Championship’s best players at the moment, Gelhardt has seven goals and two assists in 15 league appearances this season. It comes after scoring five goals for Hull during 2024-25.

Gelhardt initially joined Hull on loan in January and has since returned for the 2025-26 season. It has been confirmed that Leeds have the option of recalling the former Wigan ace when the January window opens.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling for goals and Leeds generally failing to score sufficient goals this season, fans have called for an in-form Gelhardt to be recalled. But, Leeds’ stance on Gelhardt is clear.

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Adam Underwood’s stance on recalling Joe Gelhardt in January

Despite his form, Hull Live say that Leeds believe it is beneficial to allow Gelhardt to remain on loan at Hull for the rest of the season. Gelhardt is about to enter the final 18 months of his Elland Road contract.

LeedsUnited.News understands Gelhardt is on surprisingly big money, and it might be that Leeds see the attacker as a sale. While he is in form, Leeds would rather let his value grow and sell him next summer.

According to Barry Cooper’s report on Hull Live, the Championship side are ‘naturally’ interested in a deal to land Gelhardt permanently. But as his form continues to improve, so will interest and indeed, his value.

How Joe Gelhardt compares to Joel Piroe’s 2024-25 form

It probably won’t come as a surprise that Gelhardt, who has also laid on an assist in the Carabao Cup for Hull this season, is already outperforming Joel Piroe when comparing the Dutchman’s 2024-25 stats.

It’s not even a particularly fair comparison, because Gelhardt has been playing as a right-sided winger for Hull. That highlights how impressive the Elland Road attacker has been since joining Hull on loan again.

If Leeds are unable to spend, with Robbie Evans confirming the club are close to the PSR borderline, then Daniel Farke needs to admit his mistake and recall Gelhardt. His form and guile could be what is needed.

Whether Farke, who is renowned for his rigidity and stubbornness, will accept his mistake and bring the striker back to Elland Road is another question. As things stand, as per the report, it seems very unlikely.