Leeds United transfer news: Joe Gelhardt update, 'no-brainer' claim made
The latest transfer talk from Elland Road as Leeds United look to add to their squad during the January transfer window.
Several Leeds United players have experienced mixed fortunes during loan spells away from Elland Road during the first half of the season.
However, there is no doubt Joe Gelhardt has been the most successful after the Whites forward scored ten goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances in all competitions during a second loan stint with Championship club Hull City. The former Wigan Athletic player’s form has played a key role in helping the Tigers move into contention for a play-off spot in the second tier and they will help Gelhardt can continue to shine throughout the second half of the campaign.
What comes in the summer remains to be seen as there is no permanent clause in the loan agreement and Gelhardt still has 18 months left on his current deal at Elland Road. However, Tigers chairman Acun Ilicali has admitted he would like to secure a permanent deal, despite conceding it would be difficult to secure.
Ilicali told Hull Live: "Gelhardt is a special boy. The fans know the story about how much he pushed to come here, plus how much he sacrificed to come back to Hull City. I think Gelhardt is a special person, and for us, our target is to be with him permanently, so he's our own player. Of course, it is not something that is easy for us, but Jared and I did crazy things last summer, and I can say that we are on form, and I give us a good chance. I believe that we have the strength and power to manage, to succeed, to bring Joe Gelhardt into our family permanently.
"I don't think so because he's already injured," Ilicali said when asked if Gelhardt could be recalled by Leeds. "We have a good clean connection with Leeds United and, I'm sure that they're happy that at the moment their player is happy. They're doing better now in the Premier League, and I don't expect them to call him back."
Leeds told to make ‘no-brainer’ move
Leeds United have been linked with a whole host of weird and wonderful names as the January transfer window opens for business.
However, the Whites have been told they should make a move for one players linked with a move to Elland Road over the weekend. Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi is said to be on Leeds’ radar as they look to boost their options in defence and also add to their already considerable threat from set-pieces. European football expert Kevin Hatchard believes there are a number of reasons why the deal should be considered as a ‘no-brainer’ for the Whites.
He posted on X: “Interesting to see Leeds linked with Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi. Only six months left on his deal, excellent in the air, set-piece threat, used to playing in a back three. Feels like a no-brainer to me.”
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