Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle among multiple clubs keen on Leeds United fringe man
Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, Preston North End, and other teams are interested in Leeds United attacker Joe Gelhardt, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
With teams like Stoke City interested, many believed a summer departure was imminent for Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt, who has fallen down the Elland Road hierarchy in recent seasons.
To the chagrin of his supporters and to the astonishment of many, the Whites decided to keep the 22-year-old at Elland Road despite the fact that he had plenty of loan interest.
However, Gelhardt’s ongoing lack of minutes has raised new concerns about his future. The dynamic attacker has only made two appearances in the Championship this season and did not travel with Daniel Farke’s team over the weekend.
As January draws closer, Leeds United is once again showing interest in Gelhardt.
The former Wigan Athletic kid is still a target for summer admirers Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, and Preston North End, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. Two anonymous Belgian teams and Rangers, the dominant force in the Scottish Premiership, are also considering rekindling their recent interest.
It is also mentioned that, considering his lack of playing time, Gelhardt is interested in a loan move.
Best for all
Farke has made no secret of his appreciation for Gelhardt’s disposition and skills. However, regardless of the manager’s feelings, the gifted attacker is just not receiving any playing time at Leeds United.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense for him to go on loan this winter.
Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph are fighting for the starting position, so the Whites have plenty of cover. Although he is still a possibility, Patrick Bamford has struggled to find opportunities this season, much like Gelhardt.
The striker may demonstrate his abilities in the division with a Championship move to Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, or Preston North End; however, Rangers or his Belgian admirers might be considered if Leeds are opposed to loaning to a division opponent.
The January focus
Even though some Leeds United players are struggling for playing time and are on the margins of the first team roster, the emphasis will probably be on additions at Elland Road in January.
Due to injuries, Farke’s team lacks depth in several crucial places, so you have to assume they’ll try to add players if they want to avoid missing out on promotion again.
That might only move players like Gelhardt lower in the hierarchy, highlighting the idea that he would be better off spending the remainder of the 2024–2025 season on loan.
