Leeds United’s work in the window took another twist on Saturday morning as Leeds confirmed the departures of both Joe Gelhardt and Mateo Joseph, ahead of the game against AC Milan.
Gelhardt was always expected to leave the club again, but with the striker still boasting two years on his Elland Road deal, another loan was likely. The former Wigan man has returned to Hull City for 2025-26.
Gelhardt spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull and despite the loan only being confirmed by Leeds on Saturday morning, he was part of Hull’s squad that drew 0-0 with Frank Lampard’s Coventry.
Meanwhile, Joseph finally gets his move after refusing to join Daniel Farke’s squad in Germany. An event that shared similarities with Willy Gnonto’s refusal to play in 2023, Joseph has now found a new club.
Junior Firpo looks on during Leeds' win v Middlesbrough.
Photo by Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Mateo Joseph posts on Instagram after Leeds United farewell
A star for Spain’s U21 side with eight goals in 13 caps, Joseph failed to do it in a Leeds shirt – only netting three times for Leeds last season. With Leeds expected to sign a new striker, Joseph has opted to leave.
It sees him join a side that finished tenth in La Liga last season. However, the concern is that Mallorca only scored 35 league goals last season. Leeds need Joseph to score goals next season, so his value rises.
After Leeds confirmed Joseph’s move to Mallorca, and Joseph had sent a message to Leeds supporters, Joseph then sent a message to his new club’s fanbase – describing it as a “year to give it all” at Mallorca.
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Junior Firpo and Borja Sainz react to Mateo Joseph’s Leeds exit
Joseph becomes the fourth player to have left the club since the transfer window opened, alongside Gelhardt, Charlie Crew and Max Wober. All four have gone on loan, meaning Leeds haven’t got a penny.
Josuha Guilavogui, Junior Firpo, Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon have also left following the end of last season. Firpo has also moved to Betis, and will now face Joseph on November 2 when Betis host Mallorca.
Firpo responded to the news that Joseph has also left Leeds in favour of a move to the top tier of Spanish football. He described Joseph as “my son” before saying he will see him soon, less than three months.
Borja Sainz has joined Porto for £15m, after Sainz was touted with a move to Leeds. He also responded, having been a teammate of Joseph’s with Spain’s U21 side. He was clearly happy to see Joseph depart.