Rangers are “in talks” with Leeds United to sign Joe Gelhardt on a permanent basis, according to Pete O’Rourke.
After finishing as runners-up to arch-rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership for yet another season, it has been a summer of overhaul for Rangers. 49ers Enterprises, who have overseen Leeds’ return to the Premier League, took over the club and appointed Russell Martin as the team's new permanent manager.
Rangers have had a busy summer, loaning in Mikey Moore, Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons while signing Lyall Cameron, Djeidi Gassama, Emmanuel Fernandez, Thelo Aasgaard and Oscar Cortes permanently. They have also signed Joe Rothwell, who spent last season on loan at Leeds.
Now, it would seem that the Glaswegians are keen to sign yet another player who is currently on the books at Elland Road.
Rangers Want Gelhardt
Departure from Leeds expected
Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt
Pete O’Rourke has reported that Rangers are looking into a deal to sign Joe Gelhardt. Comfortable as an attacking midfielder or second striker, Gelhardt has been with Leeds since 2020 and showed flashes of brilliance at points with the Whites, but has found first-team football nigh-on impossible to come by under Daniel Farke, spending the second half of last season on loan at Hull City.
Joe Gelhardt 24/25 Season Stats
Competition
Championship
League Cup
Now, it appears that Gelhardt has been given permission to leave West Yorkshire. Martin, during his time with Southampton, showed he worked well with young players, aiding their development by offering them minutes. Much of Rangers’ business to date has been recruiting young players with bags of potential, a bracket that Gelhardt fits into.
Gelhardt needs consistent football to continue his progression as a player, which he will not receive at Elland Road. Described as a “magic” player who is still just 23 years old, Gelhardt could be a brilliant addition for Rangers if he is given the chance to turn those flashes of brilliance into weekly displays.
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( All stats are fromTransfermarktand are correct as of 02/08/2025 )