Leeds United spent north of £100m on new players in the summer but Daniel Farke sanctioned the exits of 14 other players, and one of them is enjoying a brilliant start to 2025-26.
Anton Stach, Lucas Perri, and Sean Longstaff were among the most expensive additions at Leeds in the summer. But the Whites also waved goodbye to the likes of Patrick Bamford and Josuha Guilavogui.
Two were sold for a fee in Rasmus Kristensen and Sam Greenwood, Junior Firpo and Darko Gyabi have joined new clubs on free transfers. Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon returned to their parent clubs.
Another six left the club on loan, including Joe Gelhardt, who is enjoying a wonderful start to the 2025-26 season. Gelhardt has spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull, and has returned this season.
Joe Gelhardt celebrates during Birmingham City v Hull City - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Joe Gelhardt posts on Instagram after dismantling Leicester City
Gelhardt left Leeds for an entire season on loan for the first time, and it’s working. On Tuesday night, he provided an assist before scoring himself as Hull shocked relegated Leicester and secured a 2-1 win.
Hull’s local media handed Gelhardt a rating of 8.5/10, after his “terrific” cross created Hull’s first goal and then scoring the winner himself. Gelhardt already has six goals and assists in 12 appearances this season.
Gelhardt took to Instagram following the win, as Hull continued their excellent start to the Championship season with a play-off charge looking like a distinct possibility under new manager Sergej Jakirovic.
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Joe Gelhardt is finally showing what Leeds fans know he can do
Gelhardt showed glimpses of magic in the Premier League. His assist against Brighton that saw Pascal Struijk score a late equaliser, his mazy run that won a penalty against Wolves, his winner against Norwich.
Gelhardt was never given a chance under Daniel Farke, playing less than 500 minutes in the 18 months he was at Leeds before his first Hull loan. Now, he’s shining, and Harry Gray commented on his Instagram.
Screenshot of Harry Gray commenting on Joe Gelhardt's Instagram.
The chances are that Gelhardt will leave Leeds permanently over the course of the next 12 months. His contract at Leeds is set to expire before the end of the 2026-27 season, but his form will attract interest.