Premier League boss makes surprising transfer admission about Leeds United forward

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic has suggested Leeds United winger Joe Gelhardt is not at the top of his attacking transfer shortlist.

Gelhardt spent the last 18 months on loan at Hull in two separate spells, initially joining on a six-month loan in January 2025 before securing a season-long switch the following summer. The forward enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 Championship campaign, his 15 goals and four assists helping the Tigers win promotion via the play-offs.

Hull had been expected to make a permanent move for Gelhardt, who was not in Leeds’ pre-season US tour squad and is likely to leave, but as yet there has been no palpable progress. In a surprising admission, Tigers boss Jakirovic first insisted he wanted to sign the 24-year-old before going on to suggest he is not atop their summer shopping list.

“If it’s my decision, he will be here with us,” Jakirovic told BBC Humberside Sport. “We are expecting some players in these positions, the No.10 or right-winger, so we have to wait. I know everything about Joffy, he scored 15 goals and got seven assists. We know everything about him. He doesn’t need any adaptation but we will see. If nobody comes, I would like to sign Joffy.”

Asked if there has been some resistance from the recruitment team, he added: “No, it’s not resistance. It’s just that we are trying to bring in better players. Players with experience in the Premier League which is very important. Hopefully we can bring this because we are working on that, but it’s very slow.”

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Jakirovic’s comments come just a few days after Hull owner Acun Ilicali put the onus on his head coach to decide on Gelhardt. Again, his comments appeared to suggest the Leeds youngster- who starred at the MKM Stadium last season - is not their attacking transfer priority.

Hull City owner comments on Leeds United’s Joe Gelhardt

Speaking earlier this month, Ilicali said: “I cannot say yes or no at the moment, after we finish our major transfers. I love Gelhardt, a fantastic boy, but this is our coach’s decision. After the coach sees the squad and what we will bring to him, we’ll decide about Gelhardt.

“We will wait for the coach’s decision. I think we have good conversations with Leeds, they let us get him two times. So if we want to get him again, we will have the advantage but the problem is if we bring him but he will not be able to get playing time, he will be unhappy.

“So after our squad is on the table, the coach will then decide if he can give time to him or not. Don’t expect something on a Gelhardt decision for [at least] two weeks.”

BBC Radio Humberside’s Mike White also reports that Birmingham City are interested in Gelhardt, albeit reports they are close to agreeing a deal are wide of the mark. The Championship club are believed to be among several in conversation with Leeds.