Leeds United were commanding a huge fee for Joe Gelhardt’s exit in the summer, before sanctioning a season-long loan agreement with Hull City.
United’s summer window could have been enhanced significantly if the club were able to cash in on saleable assets alongside their incoming signings.
Only Sam Greenwood and Rasmus Kristensen exited for notable fees, while other outgoings were largely on loan. That included Joe Gelhardt to Hull City.
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Joe Gelhardt thriving at Hull City with goalscoring form nearing double figures already
There was always an understanding that Gelhardt would finally shine once platformed correctly in the Championship.
Sergej Jakirovic’s appointment at the MKM Stadium has brought about a real resurgence for the forward. Predominantly, he’s been playing Gelhardt off the right.
Joe Gelhardt is in incredible form for Hull City this season. (Action Images/Ed Sykes)
It’s paid dividends too. His winner against Stoke City on Saturday was his ninth of the campaign to see the Tigers sit eighth. Importantly, though, Hull are only five points off second.
United hold a recall clause in Gelhardt’s loan contract, should they wish to add him back to the ranks as a right-sided option. However, the club are not believed to be keen on severing his Hull loan, as he continues to impress.
Hull City learned of Leeds United’s previous £8million Joe Gelhardt asking price
A loan wasn’t the initial plan for Hull to sign Gelhardt. He was frozen out of plans at Leeds and a permanent deal was the move the Championship side wanted.
Of course, a transfer restriction stopped them. But, journalist Barry Cooper has revealed that Leeds were also commanding an £8million fee for Gelhardt in the summer window.
“Ultimately, Gelhardt’s form is a win-win for Leeds. Either he comes back next summer with Leeds, probably in the Championship and a season scoring 15-plus goals under his belt, or they can sell him on for good money,” Cooper told LeedsLive.
“Initially, the Whites wanted about £8m early in the summer, which was pie in the sky at that stage. If he keeps up his form, then they’ll have much stronger bargaining power in the market and look to command a big fee.”
Leeds United could look to command eight-figure sum for Joe Gelhardt in 2026
An important detail in Gelhardt’s situation is the fact his contract runs for one more year after this season. So, into the final year of his deal in the summer of 2026, he may not command as great a value as if he were tied down on a longer deal.
That being said, the 49ers were commanding an £8million sum during the summer. Since then, he’s gone on to prove why the club were looking for such a high number.
On nine goals already, Gelhardt’s firmly in the running for the golden boot. Should he finish near 20-plus goals, as he’s on course for, there’s no reason why Leeds can’t look for even more money.
Given the lack of sales in the summer just gone, the need to maximise Gelhardt’s value in 2026 is really high. And, that’s regardless of what division we end up in.
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