Joe Gelhardt is finally approaching a crossroads in his Leeds United career and now, the striker is set for a sit-down with Daniel Farke and the club’s sporting department over his future.
Gelhardt first joined Hull during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign before returning for a season-long loan in 2025-26. By the end of the campaign, he had become one of the club’s most key players.
Joe Gelhardt makes telling admission after fine start to life at Hull City😬
The attacker finished the season with 15 goals and four assists as Hull secured promotion to the Premier League. Whatever Leeds wanted to see from Gelhardt on loan, he couldn’t have delivered much more.
The striker has already hinted at what he wants next
Gelhardt was understandably emotional after Hull’s promotion and his comments offered perhaps the clearest indication yet of where he sees his future. Indeed, Gelhardt hinted at a permanent Hull move.
He said: “It’s a good question, isn’t it? Let’s see what happens over the summer, but it’s pretty clear what I want to do. I love this club, I’m buzzing, absolutely buzzing. It shows what can happen in 12 months.
“Under the situations we’ve had, with the embargo, we were always at a disadvantage; everybody had us written off, now we’ve proved everyone wrong, and now we’re off to the Premier League.”
Those post-promotion comments stopped short of confirming anything, but they left little doubt about his affection for Hull after helping the club reach the top flight. He has a contract at Leeds until 2027.
Leeds United now have all the information they need
The reality is that Leeds should not require another loan spell to decide what comes next. Gelhardt is entering the final year of his contract, meaning this summer represents a natural point for a decision.
If Daniel Farke and Leeds believe Gelhardt can contribute in the Premier League, then the talks should focus on integrating him back into the squad. But realistically, after 18 months on loan, an exit is likely.
The club have already been linked with a willingness to sell, while Alan Nixon reports on his Patroen channel that Hull would like him back following his role in their promotion-winning campaign.
Indeed, Nixon reports that Leeds and Gelhardt are now set for sit-down talks regarding the striker’s future. Nixon says that Gelhardt is on big wages but Hull are willing to match his Elland Road salary.
What is a fair price for Joe Gelhardt? 💰
Reports say £3m…
Another season of uncertainty would help nobody
What should not happen is a repeat of previous summers where Gelhardt’s future remains unresolved. His performances have provided Leeds with new evidence, while Hull’s interest helps him resurrect his career.
There has previously been discussion around a £3m valuation, and while that would be a mistake, the bigger issue now is not the fee. It is whether Leeds genuinely see Gelhardt as part of their future.
These talks feel overdue rather than unexpected. After two loan spells at Hull and a promotion-winning season, Gelhardt has earned a definitive answer from Leeds, and both parties benefit from closure.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
