Forward Joe Gelhardt insists Hull City were the only club he wanted to leave Leeds United for in the summer transfer window.
Gelhardt snubbed overtures from elsewhere to rejoin the Tigers earlier this month. He spent last season on loan at the MKM Stadium, playing an integral role in City's survival bid.
Gelhardt returned to Elland Road following the climax of the 2024/25 campaign and the Premier League newcomers initially planned on selling the player to boost Daniel Farke's summer transfer kitty. But the Whites ultimately sanctioned another loan deal for Gelhardt and it has not taken him long to make his presence felt in East Yorkshire. He scored the opening goal in City's pulsating win over Oxford United last weekend.
"I'm buzzing (to be back)," Gelhardt told our sister title HullLive. "I wanted to come back here straight away as soon as the season ended. With how much I enjoyed it here last year, it was a no-brainer for me, and I told my agent from the get-go that I wanted to come back here."
Although he had interest from elsewhere, Gelhardt said his heart was set on joining the Tigers. "I think I had a few (offers), but as soon as my agent brought them up, I honestly just said no, I just want Hull again, so just try your best to make that happen, and he did so, to his credit," he added.
Gelhardt has played in City's opening three fixtures under new boss Sergej Jakirovic. "I heard the interest was there, my agent told me, and I'd spoken to the lads about the new manager, and they spoke very highly of him, so yeah, it was still a no-brainer for me to come here," he said. "I watched a few of the pre-season games and there were good results. I like the way they played against Sunderland, who are Premier League opposition now. I still knew it was just Hull.
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"I think in general I think we've got a strong team in all areas of the pitch, considering the circumstances with the transfers. I think we've made some brilliant transfers in Oli (McBurnie), Lunny (John Lundstram), and Joel (Ndala).
"I can't think of all of them right now, but I think everyone's been brilliant. We've got a strong squad now, so let's just see what we can do. I want to play the next game already. Well, not now because I'm a bit tired, but maybe in a few days."
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