Joe Gelhardt ‘buzzing’ as Leeds United seal £6.5m move to Hull City | OneFootball

Joe Gelhardt has completed a permanent move to Hull City from Leeds United after two seasons out on loan, and says he is thrilled to be back in East Yorkshire.

According to Leeds Live, the 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract with an option of a fifth, and Leeds are understood to have received £6.5m, possibly rising to £8m. He had been due for a Birmingham City medical after the Blues agreed terms, before owner Acun Ilicali stepped in to secure the switch.

Gelhardt impressed across two loan spells at the MKM Stadium. He scored five to help keep City in the Championship, then 15 last season, including one in the play-off semi-final win at Millwall as the Tigers clinched promotion to the Premier League.

He said he had wanted to return since the season ended and felt an immediate bond with supporters, staff and team-mates, adding that a permanent deal was always his preference. He noted many had written Hull off and praised the squad’s togetherness, saying the last-minute Wembley finish was brilliant.

The forward said he was excited to test himself in the Premier League, thanked fans for their backing and looked ahead to the next four years. His departure ends a Leeds career that had continued on loan, with the player pushing for a Hull move since last season.

Source: Leeds Live

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”