Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt is in outstanding form at Hull City in the Championship, prompting huge praise from his manager.
As Leeds’ Premier League survival bid continues under Daniel Farke, there are a handful of loanees looking to impress away from the club.
In the Championship, Joe Gelhardt was eager to build on his strong 2025 loan at Hull City, returning to the club for a full season after helping them stay in the division.
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Joe Gelhardt in immense form for Hull City with goals flowing away from Leeds United
Gelhardt was certain to leave during the summer after it became clear early in Farke’s tenure that he wouldn’t be part of the plans.
Now coached by Sergej Jakirovic in the EFL, Gelhardt has found a new lease of life as the Tigers spring a surprising push for the playoffs.
Joe Gelhardt is loving life at Hull City, on loan from Leeds United. (Action Images/Ed Sykes)
Sitting eighth on 19 points, level with sixth, Gelhardt has five goals and one assist in his 12 league outings. Three of those goals have come in the past three games, against Birmingham City, Leicester City and Charlton Athletic.
Up next for Gelhardt is Norwich City away, the club who his most famous goal so far in his career came against.
Sergej Jakirovic heaps praise on versatile Joe Gelhardt on loan from Leeds United
For his manager, Gelhardt is seriously impressing. His form in front of goal is ideal, but Jakirovic has been particularly enthused by his versatility.
Gelhardt has often been a hard fit for managers, both at Leeds and on loan. He’s not a typical number nine, nor is he a creative ’10’, or a winger with blistering speed. However, Jakirovic has got a tune out of him regardless of his role.
“Yes (he was very good),” Jakirovic told Hull Daily Mail. “This is Joffo, this is his quality, he’s able to play in many positions, right winger, number 10, even with Kyle like a striker.
“He helps our team a lot, and the group, too, and I’m very, very happy with him.”
Permanent deal issue for Hull City despite Leeds United likely to listen to offers
Gelhardt’s long-term future is surely destined to be away from Elland Road. He’s into the final two years of his long-term contract at the club, and further away from first team football than he’s ever been.
So, a permanent offer would be something that would interest Leeds in 2026, be that the January or summer window.
Leeds United will be looking to sell Joe Gelhardt as soon as possible. (Action Images/Ed Sykes)
However, Hull’s ability to sign Gelhardt on a permanent basis is hampered by their EFL fee restriction. That punishment limits the Tigers to free transfers and loan deals. It stems from paying Aston Villa late for the loan signing of Louie Barry last season.
Upon appeal, that punishment has been reduced from three windows down to two. But, their attempts to keep Gelhardt are heavily impacted.
Hull’s fee restriction still carries through to the end of the 2026 summer window. As a result, it leaves Leeds sure to look elsewhere for a permanent Gelhardt transfer.
In the meantime, his stock continuing to rise can only be a good thing.
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