Leeds United are about to sell yet another player this summer, with Rangers interested in one of their forwards.
There will be upgrades to the first-team squad across most areas of the pitch, and a number of the current Championship side will be moved on if they are deemed incapable of operating in the Premier League.
Leeds United have numerous players who fit that criteria, but they have only been able to sell, loan, or release a handful of players so far this summer, including Josuha Guilavogui, Rasmus Kristensen, and Junior Firpo.
It appears that the 49ers are working efficiently with both ins and outs, as Joe Gelhardt is also looking likely to leave West Yorkshire. He did not travel with the pre-season group after a loan to Hull City to end last season.
Rangers eye a move for £4 million-rated Joe Gelhardt
Gelhardt was one of a number of players with an uncertain future heading into the summer transfer window, following a successful loan spell with Hull. He scored five goals during his loan from January, including key goals in their survival bid.
Leeds are willing to listen to offers for Gelhardt and the young striker has hinted at leaving Leeds for more regular first-team football as well.
One solution is that Wrexham could have been an answer for Gelhardt, while there were numerous Hull fans desperate for Gelhardt to sign permanently at the MKM.
Despite having two years on his contract and having benefitted from two Championship loans during his time at Leeds — Hull and Sunderland — Don Goodman believes Leeds should sell Gelhardt for the good of his career.
It is five years since Leeds signed Gelhardt from cash-strapped Wigan for just £1 million and that is why he will also help to raise funds in terms of PSR.
It’s thought that a transfer fee between £3 million and 4 million is required for Gelhardt to leave. That would suffice for the 49ers, who may well be negotiating with themselves.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has explained that 49ers-owned Rangers are eyeing Gelhardt on a permanent basis. They will be bolstering their attacking ranks with a versatile forward for a number of roles, too.
Gelhardt will be joined by former Leeds target Max Aarons at Rangers and Joe Rothwell at Ibrox to the delight of Leeds fans.
Joe Gelhardt’s career stats and best role as a forward
Gelhardt is one of eight players who can now leave Leeds permanently, with more expected to join the exit door between now and the transfer deadline in just a month’s time.
| Joe Gelhardt’s career stats | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Wigan Athletic | 21 | 1 | 0 |
| Leeds United | 57 | 3 | 5 |
| Sunderland | 20 | 3 | 3 |
| Hull City | 20 | 5 | 0 |
He can be deployed as a striker, but is best in a pairing with another centre-forward, while Gelhardt is capable of being utilised deeper in more of a withdrawn forward role.
That can be from the right flank or as more of an attacking midfielder, with Gelhardt a left-footed and skilful player who is capable of fashioning chances for himself with his driving runs into the box by working from out to in.
It’s a fresh start potentially for Gelhardt in a league and team which perhaps will suit him, and the 23-year-old’s sale will help his current club, with exits likely to dictate some of Leeds’ remaining incoming business.
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