The Tigers are on the verge of adding another key component to their Championship squad
09:17, 08 Aug 2025
Joe Gelhardt is set to return to the MKM Stadium
Joe Gelhardt is set to return to the MKM Stadium(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Hull City have agreed a deal to sign Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United on a season-long loan as the Tigers continue to strengthen Sergej Jakirovic's squad despite their transfer restrictions.
Gelhardt is expected to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours ahead of completing a return to the MKM Stadium, in a move driven by the 23-year-old and boss Sergej Jakirovic as revealed earlier in the week.
Owner Acun Ilicali has backed his manager with the loan arrival of Gelhardt, who spent the second half of last season on loan at City and played a key role in keeping the Tigers in the Championship with five goals.
He returned to Elland Road during the summer but was told by Whites' boss Daniel Farke that he would not feature in the Premier League. He has sought to seek a move with two years left on his contract in West Yorkshire.
Jakirovic has been desperate to add more creativity into the top third of the pitch, and he views Gelhardt as a player who can help create for Oliver McBurnie and Kyle Joseph, as well as chipping in with goals himself.
Gelhardt made clear his desire to return to City, pushing to get the deal done with Leeds playing their part by agreeing to terms that mean the move can be approved by the EFL.
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As it stands, City cannot pay a loan or transfer fee for a player under the terms of the punishment handed to them by the EFL back in early July.
The club appealed the transfer fee ban and had its appeal heard by an independent panel on Wednesday, with a decision now expected to be made public next week.
City’s successful pursuit of Gelhardt caps a tremendous couple of weeks for the Tigers in the transfer market, with the striker following a flurry of new arrivals ahead of Saturday’s Championship opener at Coventry City.
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Akin Famewo kicked last week off, followed by Joel Ndala a couple of hours later. Enis Destan and John Lundstram were next in, before Oliver McBurnie joined the club on Wednesday night.
Nigerian winger David Akintola is set to undergo testing at the club’s training ground on Friday, after having his medical in London on Thursday following a successful visa application earlier in the week and they remain in talks with free agent Brandon Williams.
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