Joe Gelhardt ‘to consider’ Hull move as Leeds pay-rise clouds potential exit | OneFootball

Joe Gelhardt looks more likely than not to leave Leeds United this summer, but his destination remains uncertain.

Hull Live reports that both Gelhardt and Hull City remain keen on a permanent deal, which is possible but not imminent. Alan Nixon reports the striker is due a Leeds pay-rise that would make matching terms a major outlay for the promoted club, who may instead explore cheaper options.

The 24-year-old spent 18 months on loan at Hull, first in the second half of 2024/25 then across 2025/26. He hit 15 goals and four assists. Hull finished sixth and won the play-offs, beating Middlesbrough 1-0 at Wembley.

Across last season, Gelhardt indicated he would be open to a permanent switch, a stance unlikely to have changed after promotion.

The trigger for any wage rise is unclear, and such uplifts can be built into longer contracts. There was also a suggestion that salaries might have improved after surviving Premier League relegation, although none of this is confirmed.

Competition for Gelhardt is expected to be stronger than a year ago. That return, despite a two-month injury absence, is likely to have drawn wider interest.

At Leeds he did not have a place in Daniel Farke’s attacking group last season, which is set to be reinforced, with imminent free agent arrival Harry Wilson operating in similar roles.

Leeds wanted between £3-4million last summer before loaning him to Hull, who were under an embargo preventing any fee. That move may have raised his valuation.

Source: yorkshireevenpost.co.uk