Leeds United set to sell Joe Gelhardt – Leeds 2026

Key Points

• Leeds United are reportedly ready to sell loan forward Joe Gelhardt this summer.
• Gelhardt has been on loan at Hull City, where he has delivered 13 goals in 34 league appearances.
• Rangers are among the clubs showing interest in the 23-year-old.
• The striker has fallen out of favour at Elland Road under Daniel Farke.
• Gelhardt’s long-term future at Leeds remains uncertain despite his successful loan spell.
• Reports from multiple sources, including The Scotsman and Hull Daily Mail, indicate Leeds are “open to offers.”
• The summer transfer window could be decisive for his next move.

(The Leeds Times) April 7, 2026 — Leeds United are reportedly prepared to offload forward Joe Gelhardt this summer, following his prolific loan spell at Hull City and rising interest from Scottish Premiership side Rangers.

Why could Leeds United be willing to part ways with Joe Gelhardt?

As reported by Graeme Bailey of HITC Football, Leeds United are “ready to cash in” on Joe Gelhardt as the club seeks to streamline its attacking options ahead of the new season.

According to Bailey, the 23-year-old forward, who has been out of Leeds boss Daniel Farke’s regular rotation, has caught the attention of several clubs following a strong campaign on loan with Hull City.

Gelhardt — often referred to by fans as “Joffy” — has enjoyed a revival in form at the MKM Stadium, scoring 13 goals in 34 Championship appearances. His performances have reignited the promise he first displayed during his breakthrough seasons with Leeds after joining from Wigan Athletic in 2020.

However, despite his current form, The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Gelhardt remains “unlikely to feature prominently” in Leeds’ first-team plans for the upcoming Championship season, especially with competition from forwards such as Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph, and Joel Piroe.

Who is showing interest in signing Gelhardt?

According to The Scotsman, Scottish giants Rangers are among the clubs monitoring Gelhardt’s situation closely. The Glasgow club is expected to make attacking reinforcements this summer, and Gelhardt’s age, potential, and current form have placed him high on their shortlist.

The Daily Record adds that Rangers have been in “preliminary contact” with Leeds regarding Gelhardt’s availability, though no formal offer has yet been made.

The report also suggests that Gelhardt could be open to a move to Scotland to secure consistent first-team football, particularly with Rangers likely to feature in European competition next season.

Other Championship sides, including Middlesbrough and Coventry City, have also been credited with an interest, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, who added that Leeds are “open to both permanent and loan departures” for the player.

How has Gelhardt performed during his Hull City loan spell?

Gelhardt’s second loan spell at Hull City has been viewed as a major success. Hull Daily Mail journalist Barry Cooper noted that the forward “found his rhythm” once installed as a central striking option under Tigers’ manager Liam Rosenior.

Gelhardt has contributed not only goals but also assists, having a direct hand in 17 league goals this season.

As reported by Sky Sports News, Rosenior praised Gelhardt mid-season, saying the young striker

“brought energy, intelligence, and a real attacking spark to Hull’s system.”

Gelhardt’s work ethic and link-up play have been key assets, earning him recognition as one of the Championship’s top-performing loan players in 2025–26.

Despite Hull’s desire to keep him, the cost of making his transfer permanent could be a stumbling block. Leeds are expected to demand a reasonable fee, reflecting his age, contract length, and goal tally.

What is Daniel Farke’s position on Joe Gelhardt’s future?

According to Leeds Live sports writer Beren Cross, Leeds manager Daniel Farke has spoken about the need for “balance” in the squad and maintaining a sustainable wage structure.

While Farke did not reference Gelhardt by name, he hinted that the club “may have to make tough decisions” on players who need more regular playing time elsewhere.

An anonymous source cited by Football League World claimed that Leeds are keen to give opportunities to emerging forwards like Mateo Joseph and that Gelhardt’s path to the first team is “unclear.”

The same report suggests that if Leeds fail to win promotion back to the Premier League this season, the financial implications could accelerate decisions on fringe players like Gelhardt.

What are Hull City’s chances of signing Gelhardt permanently?

Hull City are reportedly interested in keeping Gelhardt, but finances could dictate the outcome. Hull Live journalist James Smailes wrote that Hull’s hierarchy

“would consider a permanent deal” only if Leeds are willing to negotiate a moderate transfer fee.

Given Hull’s Championship status and ongoing spending controls under Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, a deal might hinge on Leeds’ flexibility and Gelhardt’s own career ambitions.

In an interview quoted by BBC Sport Humberside, Hull boss Liam Rosenior praised the striker’s contribution, saying:

“Joe has been brilliant for us, both on and off the pitch. He’s matured massively, and he’s playing with great confidence. If there’s a possibility to keep him, we’ll certainly explore it.”

However, Rosenior admitted any move depends on “a number of factors beyond our control.”

How might Gelhardt’s departure affect Leeds United’s summer plans?

Leeds United’s attacking department has been under review since early 2026. With Patrick Bamford’s fitness concerns and speculation surrounding Joel Piroe’s future, decisions on fringe forwards like Gelhardt could play a key role in Leeds’ summer restructuring strategy.

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the club’s recruitment department is preparing for multiple eventualities — including both sales and incoming transfers — to balance the squad effectively if Leeds remain in the Championship next season.

Selling Gelhardt could provide Leeds valuable funds to strengthen other areas, particularly midfield and defence, where reinforcements are seen as a priority.

Has Gelhardt responded to the speculation?

As of early April, Joe Gelhardt himself has not issued any direct comment about his future. However, Sky Sports reported that he remains

“focused on finishing the season strongly”

at Hull.

A source close to the player told HITC that Gelhardt “enjoyed his football more than ever this season” and wants to make a “smart decision” about his next move.

While the rumours continue to circulate, no formal negotiations have been confirmed between Leeds United, Ranger, or Hull City at this stage.

Background of the Development

Joe Gelhardt joined Leeds United from Wigan Athletic in August 2020 at the age of 18. He was considered one of England’s brightest attacking prospects, having represented the national team at youth levels from U16 to U21.

Gelhardt broke into the Leeds first team during the 2021–22 Premier League season, making a notable impact with crucial goals and assists under then-manager Marcelo Bielsa and later Jesse Marsch.

However, changes in management and tactical systems saw his role diminish.

He spent the 2022–23 and 2025–26 seasons on loan — first at Sunderland and later at Hull City — where he rediscovered his form. His loan spells have strengthened his reputation as a capable Championship forward, though a permanent future at Elland Road now appears uncertain.

How could this development affect Leeds United supporters and the broader football landscape?

If Joe Gelhardt leaves Leeds United permanently, supporters could have mixed feelings. Many fans view him as a talented academy-era prospect who never received a consistent run of games in the senior side. His departure would mark the end of a developmental era that once symbolised Leeds’ rebuilding under Bielsa.

For Leeds, selling him could reflect the club’s pragmatic approach to squad management, particularly if they remain outside the Premier League. Financially, the sale may help balance books and fund reinforcements for the 2026–27 season.

For Rangers, securing Gelhardt would offer fresh attacking depth, potentially boosting their title ambitions and European competitiveness. Meanwhile, Hull City fans might see his possible exit as a missed opportunity to retain one of their standout performers.

Overall, Gelhardt’s next move will likely be seen as a crossroads moment for his career — and a telling indicator of Leeds United’s broader transfer policy in a financially cautious Championship landscape.