There are fewer than four weeks left in the transfer market, and yet, Leeds United’s attacking options are still expected to change drastically by the time the window slams shut on September 1.
Currently, Leeds have six strikers with first-team game time on the books, yet only two of them are likely to be in Daniel Farke’s first-team plans throughout the course of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Joel Piroe seems to be first choice after his four goals in pre-season, including his equaliser during the 1-1 draw against Villarreal. Piroe was joint-first in the Leeds bleep test, alongside serial winner Sam Byram.
New signing Lukas Nmecha has scored twice in pre-season and looked a threat, but was always brought in as cover. Then, Harry Gray remains an option though is expected to play mostly in the Under-21 side.
Three are set to go. Patrick Bamford has been told he has no future at Leeds, while Mateo Joseph is in ‘advanced talks’ over a move to Mallorca. Joe Gelhardt is also expected to leave the club very soon.
Leeds icon Luke Ayling in action for Middlesbrough.
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Middlesbrough open talks to sign Leeds United striker
Earlier this week, it was reported that Gelhardt was set to return to Hull City on loan. It comes after scoring five goals for Hull in the second half of last season, playing a key role in Hull avoiding relegation.
But, Graeme Bailey has informed LeedsUnited.News that Hull have competition. Indeed, the transfer expert says Middlesbrough have made a move to sign Gelhardt, enquiring about a deal for the striker.
While it is unclear whether a deal will be a loan or a permanent move, Gelhardt is understood to be on big wages and with two years left on his Leeds contract, a loan deal looks a whole lot more achievable.
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Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Boro have joined Hull in the race: “Gelhardt obviously won’t be at Leeds by the end of the month. I’m told that Middlesbrough have made an enquiry too, alongside Hull.”
Joe Gelhardt playing for Leeds United.
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What Alan Shearer once said about Joe Gelhardt at Leeds
Breaking onto the scene during the Marcelo Bielsa era at Leeds, Gelhardt produced moments of pure class in the Premier League. It has earned him comparisons with Wayne Rooney, a street footballer-type.
The goal against Chelsea, the winner against Norwich under Jesse Marsch, the penalty win against Wolves. Moments of individual brilliance, but it was his assist against Brighton that most remember.
On Match of the Day at the time, Alan Shearer described Gelhardt as “magic” in 2022 as he weaved his way around a few players, dinked the ball over Lewis Dunk’s tackle before chipping to Pascal Struijk.
A shame then, that these moments dried up as soon as Leeds were relegated when many felt more would come in the Championship. It feels Gelhardt’s future is not at Leeds, and will be loaned out until then.