A handful of Leeds United players have been linked with the exit door with the January transfer window in full flow, but one player seems destined to go above any others in Daniel Farke’s squad.
As things stand, six Leeds players have been linked with moves away from the club. In the last few days, reports say Leeds are open to selling Illan Meslier after his woeful display in the 3-3 draw at Hull City.
Patrick Bamford has interest in him, while Salzburg could try to re-sign Max Wober. But the player most likely to wave goodbye to Leeds this month at least initially on loan, is back-up striker Joe Gelhardt.
Gelhardt is said to be keen on leaving Leeds due to his lack of game time, having only been afforded three appearances. He was on the bench against Hull, but it was his first time in the squad in two months.
Adam Pope gives update as Joe Gelhardt edges towards exit door
The striker has been linked with a number of clubs this month, but Wayne Rooney’s exit has hampered Plymouth’s attempts to get Gelhardt. Overseas clubs have asked Leeds about a deal to sign Gelhardt.
On Tuesday, it was claimed Hull are leading the race to sign Gelhardt with the player keen on a move to Ruben Selles’ side before the deadline. Now, Adam Pope has delivered an update on Gelhardt’s future.
He posted on X: “Still expecting a quiet window. Good chance that Gelhardt goes out on loan but will depend somewhat on the extent of Bamford’s hamstring injury.”
It might be a loan now, but Joe Gelhardt’s Leeds career is over
Since Farke arrived at Elland Road in the summer of 2023, Gelhardt has been afforded just five Leeds starts in all competitions and only two in the Championship which came back in August 2023.
Clearly, Farke does not fancy Gelhardt beyond as a back-up option and that is in the Championship. If Leeds get promoted, it is likely Farke will bring in more players and Gelhardt falls further downwards.
Bamford’s hamstring injury does not sound a particularly bad one. Farke said that Leeds had tried to get Bamford ready for Hull, suggesting it was a possibility, so Gelhardt will surely be on his way this month.
It will be the second time Gelhardt has left Leeds on loan and even if he impresses, the fact he is fourth-choice at Leeds suggests his time at Elland Road is over and the summer will see Gelhardt leave for good.
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