Leeds have an outstanding talent in Harry Gray.
The brother of Archie Gray has scored seven goals in nine appearances in the academy so far this season, and it surely won’t be long until Daniel Farke hands him a Premier League debut.
However, there is another talent six years older than the 17-year-old Harry Gray who Leeds cannot forget about in Joe Gelhardt.
Leeds United will regret not giving Joe Gelhardt a chance if he ends up leaving in 2026
Back in 2021, the Liverpudlian was drawing comparisons to Wayne Rooney in the Daily Mail and elsewhere as his stocky frame and clinical finishing caught the eye.
Leeds were even moved by his talent enough to spend £1m on his signature at the age of 18 back in August 2020, luring him away from Wigan.
Despite that investment and some standout moments from Gelhardt in the Premier League, Farke has largely overlooked the now 23-year-old, handing him just 16 appearances since he was hired in July 2023.
To his credit, the Wigan academy graduate is keeping his head down and working hard, impressively netting seven goals in 15 Championship appearances on loan at Hull City so far this season.
Leeds are not expected to recall Gelhardt despite a lack of goals in the attacking department – Farke has seen his side score just ten in 11 Premier League games.
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However, an important moment will arrive at the end of the season which Leeds must get right.
Leeds need to offer Joe Gelhardt a new contract as a crucial juncture looms
When July rolls around, Gelhardt – who was even compared to Dennis Bergkamp recently – will only have 12 months remaining on his contract.
Rather than buy into the temptation to take advantage of his efforts at Hull and cash in, Leeds must give him a chance to become the outright No.9 at Elland Road, regardless of what division the Whites find themselves in.
Joe Gelhardt in action during Norwich City v Hull City - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
Gelhardt has proven he can make an impact at both Premier League and Championship level, and seeing as he turns 24 in May, another loan move would almost be an insult.
There is no escaping the fact Leeds are wasting his time at the minute, and we strongly believe the 49ers will live to regret it should he be allowed to depart on a permanent basis.