With the January transfer window just over a month away, one Leeds United player is already eyeing a potential exit.
Daniel Farke will be reluctant to use anyone from his squad when the window opens as Leeds once again find themselves in a fight to win promotion to the Premier League.
Though Farke is blessed with plenty of quality options, Leeds do actually have one of the smallest squads in the Championship, which was shown during their recent injury crisis.
Farke has been forced to name two goalkeepers on his bench on a couple of occasions, while teenage talents Charlie Crew, Sam Chambers and James Debayo have all also been part of several matchday squads.
Leeds’ January window will depend on their results over the festive period but after Farke’s disappointment at not landing a number 10 in the summer, it would be a surprise if one didn’t come in.
Joe Gelhardt’s stance on Leeds future in January
Someone who has very much been on the fringes of Farke’s squad this season is Joe Gelhardt, having played just nine minutes of league football all season.
In fact, Gelhardt’s last Championship start came all the way back in August last year, and so it was a real surprise he did not leave in the summer.
However, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, there is a real chance Gelhardt could depart Elland Road in January after seeing no improvement in his game time.
As per the report, there is ‘enthusiasm’ in Gelhardt’ camp to seek a loan move away from Leeds when the window opens so he can go and play regularly.
This news comes after Farke was asked about Gelhardt in his pre-Luton Town press conference on Monday, in which he insisted he remains a ‘quality player’.
He said: “I can’t always take four strikers . It’s tough for him but I have to praise his attitude and his performances in training. Need this. He has to make sure he prepares himself for when the chance will come,” he said.
“Sometimes there are chances out of injuries, illness and bookings. Has to be ready for when his chance comes and grab it when it comes. A really top class human being, he’s a quality player, lots of options.”
Rangers and Portsmouth eyeing Gelhardt deal
Despite his lack of football over the last 15 months, Gelhardt is still a player with real talent and that is shown by how many clubs want to sign him.
As per the YEP, 10 clubs enquired about his situation in the summer but were left disappointed by Leeds’ unwillingness to loan him out.
Rangers, Stoke City, Portsmouth, Preston North End, Plymouth Argyle and two unnamed Belgian clubs remain keen heading into January.
Providing those clubs can give assurances over his game time, then Leeds would be daft not to consider sanctioning a deal.
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