Joe Gelhardt ‘keen to sign’ Hull return as Leeds pay-rise clouds move | OneFootball

Joe Gelhardt’s Leeds United exit appears increasingly likely, with a Hull City return under consideration, but a planned pay-rise at Elland Road could complicate any deal.

Hull Live reports that both Gelhardt and Hull want a permanent move, describing a transfer as a distinct possibility, albeit unlikely in the early weeks of the window.

Separately, Alan Nixon claims the striker is due a Leeds pay-rise in the final year of his deal, a level Hull may find costly to match. The trigger behind any increase is unclear.

Gelhardt spent the second half of 2024/25 and all of 2025/26 on loan at Hull, scoring 15 goals with four assists last season. The Tigers finished sixth, then won the play-offs with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough at Wembley. The 24-year-old indicated across the campaign he would be open to staying.

Nixon adds that Hull could look at cheaper alternatives, with competition for Gelhardt expected to be stronger after his form, despite a two-month injury lay-off.

A departure from Leeds feels more likely than not this summer, given he had no place in Daniel Farke’s attack last season and reinforcements are coming, with imminent free agent Harry Wilson operating in similar roles.

Leeds sought between £3-4 million last summer before loaning him to embargoed Hull, who were unable to pay a fee. That stance could now look savvy, with his value likely to have risen.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk