Hull City will want Joe Gelhardt, Rangers news to die a death soon | OneFootball

Hull City will be hoping talks of Rangers' interest in loan forward Joe Gelhardt will simmer down sooner rather than later

Hull City are aiming for a strong end to an excellent campaign, with the Tigers well-placed to push for one of the six play-off spots despite circumstances being against them for much of the season.

Heading into the 2025/26 season, eyebrows were raised on Humberside when owner Acun Ilicali decided to part ways with Ruben Selles, who had just managed to keep them in the Championship, and appoint Bosnian boss Sergej Jakirovic.

Little was known about Jakirovic upon his arrival at the MKM Stadium, and little was expected of him, especially given that Hull were placed under a three-window transfer embargo, later reduced to two, meaning they were unable to spend a fee on a player throughout the entire year.

On the face of it, the Tigers appeared to be in a heap of trouble, but they have since defied expectations and proven that success can still be found through not spending money, with the club looking likely for a top-six finish this year.

Signings such as Oli McBurnie, Amir Hadziahmetovic, John Lundstram, and Joe Gelhardt have been imperative to the position they currently find themselves in, with the latter drawing interest from elsewhere, such has been his excellent form.

With 13 goals and four assists in 34 Championship games so far this season, it's little surprise that Hull want to complete a permanent swoop for Gelhardt, though their task might become more difficult with interest arising from north of the border.

Rangers' interest in Joe Gelhardt puts permanent Hull City switch in the summer in doubt

Joe Gelhardt rejoined Hull on loan this summer from Leeds United, having spent the second half of last season on loan at the MKM Stadium, and he has since gone from strength to strength since the switch.

A crucial cog in Jakirovic's attack, Gelhardt has fit into the Hull side seamlessly, striking up excellent relationships both on and off the pitch with the likes of McBurnie, Kyle Joseph, and Charlie Hughes.

After another standout year in the second tier and with his future at Elland Road in doubt, Gelhardt will likely be on the move again this summer, though Hull face competition for his signature, as a return to Humberside looks more complicated than the Tigers would have hoped.

Scottish giants Rangers, led by former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl, are reportedly interested in bringing Gelhardt to Ibrox this summer, putting a spanner in the works for Hull.

Rangers are in a hotly contested title battle in Scotland alongside bitter rivals Celtic and surprise package Hearts, with the Gers aiming to get their hands on another league title, as well as claiming Champions League football once again.

Should the Scottish side indeed qualify for Europe, this puts them at a significant advantage over Hull, who, for obvious reasons, will not be able to offer the same thing.

With their transfer embargo set to expire this summer, allowing them to once again spend fees on incoming players, the former Wigan Athletic and Sunderland forward will no doubt be high up on Jakirovic's shortlist.

Hull can only hope that interest from north of the border will eventually die down, giving them an easier run to Gelhardt's signature.

Should the Tigers earn promotion to the Premier League, this would likely change the circumstances of a potential deal, giving them a much more significant chance of purchasing Gelhardt this summer.

Though if they remain in the Championship, they will be up against it, as Jakirovic and Tigers fans can only hope Rangers' interest simmers down in the coming weeks and months.

Sergej Jakirovic will be praying Rangers' interest in Joe Gelhardt fades as he looks to complete Hull City return

There will be fewer people who will be hoping Rangers' interest in Gelhardt dies down than Hull boss Jakirovic.

The Liverpool-born forward has been exemplary under the Bosnian and has scored some pivotal goals for the Tigers in crucial moments across the campaign.

Regardless of what division they find themselves in next season, Gelhardt will be a priority target, having had a positive impact both on and off the pitch since his arrival.

Rangers will be strong competition to beat to his signature, but Hull won't be pushed over easily in their pursuit of him.