Leeds United are unlikely to do massive business in the January transfer window but one move that looks “inevitable” is a fringe player set to depart Elland Road in the new year.
Leeds are winning, boasting the chance to go top of the Championship table with a win at Blackburn on Saturday afternoon. Three wins in a row, Daniel Farke is known for keeping his side as stable as possible.
Solidity and defensive nous teemed with attacking precision comes from Farke picking the same players week in, week out. There is no point in changing a winning side but it backfires on Leeds’ back-up stars.
One of those is being linked with a January exit, in the form of Joe Gelhardt. The striker has been given just three matches this season, only one of which came from the start in the 3-0 loss to Middlesbrough.
Carlton Palmer expects Joe Gelhardt to go on loan in January
Reports emerged this week that Gelhardt wants to leave Leeds in January. Understandably so, given he has played back-up at Leeds ever since Farke was installed as manager and there are plenty of suitors.
Rangers want to take him north of the border, while Championship clubs Plymouth, Portsmouth, Stoke and others are also interested. Former Leeds man Palmer told FLW that a permanent deal is unlikely.
“It looks inevitable that he will leave in January, I don’t see it on a permanent transfer because he’s got a really bright future ahead of him. He’s a talented player but he hasn’t had much of a look in this season,
“I don’t know if that’s because Daniel Farke doesn’t rate him or not. Leeds will probably be looking to get him out on loan, I don’t think they’ll entertain a permanent move unless it’s massive money,” Palmer said.
Carlton Palmer picks next club for Joe Gelhardt ahead of January
Gelhardt’s lack of game time is unfortunate. A player that is easily good enough for the majority of clubs at Championship level and won that has north of 30 Premier League appearances already, in his career.
He needs to leave Leeds to get his career back on track but which club does he join? Rangers would see Gelhardt potentially get the chance to play Europa League football, if Rangers qualify for the next round.
Plymouth, Portsmouth, Stoke and other Championship clubs can offer more guaranteed game time and Palmer believes Stoke is the ideal move, given the future of Tom Cannon who is on loan from Leicester.
“With the uncertainty around Tom Cannon, Leicester saying they may recall him and sell him – you never know with the Ruud van Nistelrooy, he might want him back – so Stoke might want to get somebody else.
“Stoke are not a threat to Leeds and anywhere they allow him to go, they won’t let him go somewhere where he could cause them a problem and score goals, they’ll let him go somewhere to develop,” he said.
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