Joe Gelhardt's Leeds United exit sealed? Rangers 'front-runners' ahead of Hull City | OneFootball

Joe Gelhardt's future has become the subject of intense speculation ahead of the summer window

Joe Gelhardt has enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan at Hull City from Leeds United.

The forward has been unable to make it into Daniel Farke’s first team plans at Elland Road, and he has been loaned out on multiple occasions.

But he returned to the Tigers in the summer after spending the second half of the previous campaign at the MKM Stadium.

The 23-year-old has so far contributed 13 goals and four assists for the Yorkshire outfit as they compete for promotion to the Premier League.

Sergej Jakirovic’s side are in the mix for a play-off place with just a handful of games remaining, as the club eyes a return to the division for the first time since 2017.

But Gelhardt’s long-term future is also the subject of speculation, with a permanent exit from Leeds looking to be on the cards this summer.

Rangers tipped to beat Hull City to Joe Gelhardt signing

It was previously reported that Hull are keen to keep Gelhardt beyond his current loan spell with the club.

However, they face competition from Scottish giants Rangers, who are keen on signing the forward following his impressive campaign in Jakirovic’s side.

Former scout Mick Brown has claimed that Rangers are the front-runners to seal the signature of Gelhardt this summer.

He believes that the opportunity to compete in Europe and fight for major trophies will be quite attractive for the Leeds player, and that this will make Danny Rohl’s side the front-runners to sign him.

“Rangers would be a good destination for Gelhardt,” said Brown, via Football Insider.

“He’s not going to stay at Leeds, it’s time for him to move on, so he has to weigh up his options and decide where he wants his next move to be.

“Rangers will be able to offer European football, competing for silverware, and it’s a step down from the Premier League where he has struggled in the past.

“It’s a move Gelhardt is keen to make because of that, he would do well in Scotland and playing for one of the top clubs there is always a big deal.

“Compared to somewhere like Hull, for example, if they’re still in the Championship, and they’re not likely to compete for trophies.

“Rangers are the front-runners for this deal because of that, so if they want to make a move, it won’t take much convincing on the players’ side.”

Gelhardt has a contract with the Whites until June 2027, meaning this summer could be their last chance to cash in on him.

With just 12 months remaining on his deal, it’s also possible he could be available at a reasonable cost, particularly as he is obviously not part of Farke’s first team plans.

Hull are in the mix for promotion to the Premier League, which could have an impact on whatever decision is made over his future.

The Tigers haven’t been in the top flight in nine years, but are fifth in the Championship table and could qualify for the play-offs.

Jakirovic’s side are four points clear of seventh place Wrexham with just five games remaining.

Next up for the Yorkshire outfit is a trip to face Sheffield United on 11 April in a 3pm kick-off.

Joe Gelhardt deal has to be a priority for Hull

Bringing back Gelhardt in the summer was a great decision from Hull, and it has made it clear that he is comfortable at the club and a good fit.

A move to Rangers will be tempting given the size of the Glasgow outfit and the opportunities they provide, but it’s far from a guarantee that he will fit in as well in Rohl’s plans.

The 23-year-old should be prioritising game time and where he will be at his best, and he knows what he’ll get with Hull.

It’s also a move that the Championship side should be prioritising, as his goals have been crucial to their promotion push this season.