Joe Gelhardt’s Leeds United contract situation: Why is he available for £3m? | OneFootball

Joe Gelhardt's Leeds United contract situation has been discussed amid reports of the Hull City loanee being valued at just £3 million...

Joe Gelhardt looked destined for a breakout role at Leeds United after a bright start, but his development had undeniably stalled over the past couple of seasons prior to signing for Hull City.

Having initially impressed with his sharp movement, low centre of gravity, and ability to make things happen in tight areas, Gelhardt has since found opportunities limited in West Yorkshire. He was trusted to play under Marcelo Bielsa and somewhat under Jesse Marsch, but minutes were hard to come by under Daniel Farke.

For the versatile forward, it was a frustrating turn given Leeds United's initial proactivity in snapping him up from Wigan Athletic, where he was one of the brightest young prospects outside the top flight and the Whites took advantage of their difficult position financially to bring him in.

However, his two loan moves to Hull City have breathed new life into his career and put his trajectory firmly back on track. In an attack-minded side that both scores and concedes regularly, Gelhardt has been afforded the freedom and consistency he lacked at Elland Road.

Joe Gelhardt's contract situation at Leeds United as Hull City loan comes to an end

Leeds often utilised Gelhardt as a striker, but his versatility across the front line has come to the fore. He has been deployed off the right or behind Oli McBurnie primarily, and crucially, he’s playing with confidence again — something that had clearly been missing during his stagnation at Leeds.

Transfer interest is going to be there when a player of his age, profile, and output has had the best season of his career so far. Leeds are reported to value Gelhardt at just £3 million as well. Gelhardt is said to be keen to return to Hull, but they face competition from Scottish giants Rangers.

Many may be confused as to why he is valued at what appears to be a bargain price, but his contract situation may go some way to explaining that. When at the most exciting point of his Leeds career, just months after scoring a huge goal against Norwich City and after bagging against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Gelhardt penned a new five-year deal.

That was in the summer of 2022, meaning he is entering the final year of his contract at Elland Road. The Whites have one last opportunity to cash in, which perhaps explains why his value has decreased from reports stating that he was worth closer to £8 million just last summer.

However, there is another aspect to be considered here. Per FLW sources, Victor Orta handing him that deal did not see the 23-year-old's wages increase to the £15,000 estimated wage Gelhardt is on. In fact, the actual figure is closer to four times that amount.

This is now speculation, but perhaps the reason for a low valuation is so that clubs can afford to pay more towards Gelhardt's likely wage demands. Even though he will expect to take a pay cut for his next career move, it is very unlikely to be as low as £15,000. His Hull loan ends later this month and a queue will surely form at the aforementioned price point.

Why Hull City have platformed Joe Gelhardt perfectly this season

It's been clear to see Gelhardt has looked far more at ease operating in a deeper or slightly wider role, rather than being tasked with leading the line as a traditional number nine. His natural game is built around involvement. He wants touches, combinations, and the ability to influence more phases of play than the last action.

This is as opposed to simply occupying centre-backs and waiting for service as a striker. With Hull, this has been evident. Whether deployed as a second striker, an attacking midfielder, or drifting in from the right, Gelhardt has been able to link play effectively and arrive in the box at the right moments. That box-crashing element suits him far more than acting as a fixed focal point.

From the right side in particular, he can drift infield, combine with teammates and attack central spaces. A number of his goals have come from exactly those movements, rather than being stationed centrally. It underlines that his strengths lie in fluidity and timing, and not being shoehorned into a role that limits his overall involvement.

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