Stephen Hunt backs Joe Gelhardt for Premier League and cites Jarrod Bowen in Hull case | OneFootball

Leeds United and Hull City are likely to hold talks over Joe Gelhardt’s future after his loan spell helped the Tigers win promotion via a Championship play-off final victory over Middlesbrough.

The 24-year-old has spent the last 18 months at Hull across two spells, first arriving for the second half of last season before returning in the summer. He scored 15 goals in 42 games this term.

Gelhardt’s Premier League minutes at Leeds were limited, with six starts and 29 substitute outings across two seasons. He did deliver a late winner against Norwich City in March 2022 that contributed to survival.

“Joe Gelhardt, I think he's a very, very good player. I think he can play in the Premier League. He never really had that opportunity,” said former Hull forward and agent Stephen Hunt, speaking to the 1904 Club podcast.

“He had a flash with it with Leeds. I think he's ready to play in the Premier League, and he can be effective. You look at Jarrod Bowen, who's a left-footed right-winger who's scored goals in the Premier League.”

“You'd probably end up playing three along the top, 3-4-3 or whatever way you look at it, with two real sitters in midfield. It gives yourself a chance.”

Hull may be keen to sign Gelhardt permanently, but there is no option in the loan after last summer’s EFL embargo prevented any fee-based agreement. With that due to be lifted, any price must be negotiated. Leeds were hoping to receive between £three million and £four million last year and could now ask for more following his Championship campaign.

Leeds signed him from Wigan Athletic for £1m in 2020, and his Elland Road contract expires next summer.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk