Amid speculations that both teams are interested in signing out-of-favor Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt before the new year, Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth have been listed as the two finest teams for him to join in the January transfer window.

So far this season, Gelhardt has been forced to watch from the sidelines at Leeds, and his lack of playing time is expected to push him to leave in January, either on loan or perhaps permanently.

Although the 22-year-old has only made three appearances across all competitions this season, he has Championship experience and is well-regarded throughout the EFL. Recent information about his future has provided additional insight into where his skills might end up after the year.

Joe Gelhardt transfer destination verdict issued by Leeds fan pundit

Due to his actual lack of playing time this season, the 22-year-old aims to finalise a temporary move away from Leeds during the winter transfer window, according to an exclusive story from MOT Leeds News earlier this month.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Rangers, Stoke City, Preston North End, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and two Belgian clubs have all expressed interest in signing him before the January transfer window opens in a little more than a month.

A January transfer move for a Leeds United player is being planned by Rangers, Portsmouth, and Stoke City.

Joe Gelhardt of Leeds United is a target for Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, Stoke City, and Rangers.

Gelhardt is expected to make a move, and after we asked him which team would best fit his style of play, Adam Elliott, a Whites fan commentator for FLW, thinks that a loan switch to either the Pilgrims or Pompey would suit him in the new year ahead of any other associated sides.

Adam told FLW that finding Joe Gelhardt the correct role is just as important as finding him the right club and playing time.

He truly has to start defining himself as a player at the age of 22.

Is he a guy who plays in the front two as a second striker or as a number 10? Or, given his recent performances for us, is he possibly a wide forward?

Before we consider the club (that he joins), I believe that question needs to be addressed first.

There are undoubtedly many resemblances to Wayne Rooney, and this similarity has been brought up a few times previously.

Given that they both hail from the same region of the world, Rooney is supposed to revere him as well.

That might be the play, in my opinion, and Plymouth is a better place to get playing time than a team like Rangers or possibly Stoke, where he would likely have more forward alternatives than Leeds.

Therefore, I believe it would be better to team up with Rooney, who had a comparable build and skill set as a player, and learn from him.

“I too think Portsmouth is a great concept. In my opinion, Joe Gelhardt would be best served by joining one of the two teams that have been mentioned.

“His development has really stalled over the past few years, so he really needs to go out and play football, get moving, and grow more.”

Joe Gelhardt needs to leave Leeds United in January

Prior to moving to Elland Road, Gelhardt was already a well-known senior player at Wigan Athletic despite his youth. He had made 21 appearances for the Latics in two seasons and scored his maiden Championship goal against Hull City in September 2019 at the age of 17.

When he first joined Leeds, he was a prolific member of the under-21 team. He made his Premier League debut in October 2021, shortly after which he scored his first goal for the Whites in a December loss to Chelsea. A few months later, he scored a remarkable second goal when he tapped in a thrilling winner in extra time against Norwich City at Elland Road.

After starting just one league game in the first half of the 2022–2023 season, Gelhardt went on loan to Sunderland, where he made an impression at the Stadium of Light with three goals and three assists in 18 games. However, the Black Cats lost to Luton Town in the semi-finals, so he was unable to lead them to the play-off final.

With Leeds back in the second division and Farke in charge, the young player returned to Elland Road in the summer. Many had anticipated that he would play a significant role in the team’s pursuit of an immediate return to the top flight the previous season, but he only made 13 appearances and received two league starts because the German primarily preferred Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, and Mateo Joseph.

His decision to remain with the team past this summer was unexpected by many, and he has had a very difficult season thus far, playing just 72 minutes across all competitions after starting in the EFL Cup first round and making two substitute appearances in the Championship.

Given the fierce competition in the attacking unit and the fact that he has only been included in Farke’s matchday squad once in the previous seven Championship games, it is not surprising that the 22-year-old hopes to finalise a loan departure in the upcoming year, though it is unclear if that will be to Portsmouth or Plymouth.