Another Leeds United squad player has waved goodbye to Elland Road.

Leeds United have confirmed the permanent exit of ‘incredibly popular’ attacker Joe Gelhardt.

Gelhardt has joined Hull City on a four-year contract with a 12-month extension option, having spent the past season-and-a-half on loan at the MKM Stadium. Last season the 24-year-old scored an impressive 15 goals to help the Tigers seal Championship promotion via the play-offs.

The YEP understands Elland Road chiefs agreed a deal worth up to £8million for Gelhardt if add-ons are met, around double what they were looking for when exploring a sale last summer. In a statement published on Saturday, Leeds insisted the Liverpudlian had always remained an ‘exemplary professional’ and said he’d always be welcome back in West Yorkshire.

A club statement said: “Leeds United can confirm Joe Gelhardt has completed a move to Hull City on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old forward departs after a six-year stint in West Yorkshire, following a successful loan spell last term with the Tigers.

“Gelhardt put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal in the 2020 summer transfer window before making his debut in an EFL Cup Third Round clash against then tier-below Fulham. In December 2021, the England youth international netted a maiden goal for the club away at Chelsea, before scoring a first at Elland Road in dramatic fashion, in the dying minutes against Norwich City.

“In 2023, ‘Joffy’ headed to Wearside on loan, signing for Sunderland in the January window where he went on to make 18 appearances. After a season back with the Whites the following year, the forward went out again on loan, this time across the M62 to Hull City where he scored five times in 20 appearances.

“The Tigers were Gelhardt’s destination once more the following term, where he enjoyed his most prolific campaign, tallying a career-high of 14 goals and four assists over the season as he helped the club to promotion. Throughout his time in West Yorkshire, Joffy was an incredibly popular figure and an exemplary professional. He will always be welcome back at Elland Road.

“He now departs the club on a permanent basis and everyone at Leeds United would like to wish him all the best for the future.”