Daniel Farke gave Joe Gelhardt just 207 minutes in two seasons and the forward has responded with 13 goals at Hull City, prompting Rangers to now take notice.
Leeds United’s handling of Gelhardt is coming into sharper focus, and the timing is not ideal. A player who struggled for minutes at Elland Road has rebuilt his reputation elsewhere, on loan at Hull City.
He is now attracting interest from Rangers, according to Alan Nixon. With both clubs under the 49ers Enterprises umbrella and Paraag Marathe involved at board level, there is a clear and realistic pathway.
Gelhardt was frozen out at Leeds under Farke
Gelhardt’s lack of involvement under Farke is stark. Across the last two seasons, he has played just 207 minutes, including only 10 minutes before his most recent loan move.
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His overall Leeds record stands at 47 appearances, 1,165 minutes and two goals. Those figures reflect a player never given a consistent run.
Internally, that does not align with his reputation. Patrick Bamford has described Gelhardt as “one of the best trainers at Leeds United”, underlining that his level behind the scenes has never been in question.
Loans became the only route for Gelhardt
With opportunities limited, Gelhardt has had to develop away from Leeds. A spell at Sunderland brought 18 appearances and three goals, offering a foundation. The move to Hull has been more significant.
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It has provided regular football and a clear role. Neil Warnock once described Gelhardt as “like a little rat”, a nod to his relentless and aggressive style.
He presses defenders and thrives in physical games, traits that suit the Championship. Hull have used those qualities consistently.
Hull form changes the picture for Gelhardt
Gelhardt’s numbers at Hull show exactly what regular minutes can produce. This season he has scored 13 goals and added four assists in 33 appearances.
Leeds United loanee Joe Gelhardt in action for Hull City
Photo by Tony King/Getty Images
He has played over 2,400 minutes, a complete shift from his situation at Leeds. That level of involvement has allowed him to build rhythm and confidence.
His return of 0.49 goals per 90 minutes highlights his efficiency. Across his Hull spells, he has 18 goals in 52 games. Hull would like to keep him, but the financial terms could become difficult for the Tigers.
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Rangers interest now adds pressure
Alan Nixon reports that Rangers are tracking Gelhardt as they plan for next season, and that interest is a natural consequence of his form.
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What makes it more relevant is the ownership structure. Both Leeds and Rangers are owned by 49ers Enterprises, with Paraag Marathe a key figure across the group.
That connection creates a straightforward route for a deal, whether temporary or permanent. For Leeds, it sharpens the situation. A player they have barely used is producing consistently in the Championship.
Gelhardt’s trajectory is clear. Leeds limited his minutes, loans gave him a platform, and Hull have proven his level. Now Rangers are watching. Leeds must decide whether to finally make use of that progress.
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