Hull City to seal fresh Leeds United, Joe Gelhardt transfer as Rangers lurk? 'If I had to put money on it' | OneFootball

FLW's Hull City fan pundit has shared their thoughts on whether the club can sign Joe Gelhardt this summer amid Rangers interest

Hull City have had a sublime season despite difficult circumstances, with the Tigers still well within the hunt for a play-off place with just weeks of the Championship season remaining.

It's been an excellent campaign on Humberside for Hull, who are looking to add fireworks to their season finale by securing a return to the Premier League under Sergej Jakirovic.

The Bosnian boss was appointed following the dismissal of Ruben Selles, and despite the club having a deal with a transfer embargo, limiting the Tigers to just loans and free signings for both the summer and winter windows, they have excelled.

With just five games to go, Hull sit in fifth place, four points above Wrexham in seventh, and need just a couple of more wins to secure a place in the top six, in what would be a monumental achievement despite the off-field issues.

The likes of Oli McBurnie, Jon Lundstram, and Joe Gelhardt joined the club over the summer, with the latter returning to the MKM Stadium after a positive loan spell from Leeds United in the second half of last campaign, with his excellent performances this time around seeing him draw interest from elsewhere ahead of a permanent summer exit from Elland Road.

Hull City face a battle with Rangers to secure the permanent signature of Joe Gelhardt this summer

According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, Scottish giants Rangers are interested in bringing Gelhardt to Ibrox this summer after an excellent campaign on loan at Hull.

With 13 goals and four assists in 34 Championship games thus far, the former Wigan Athletic forward is averaging a direct goal involvement every other game in the English second tier, with it being no surprise that interest from elsewhere has arisen.

Football League World's Hull fan pundit, Cameron, has provided their thoughts on whether Rangers can beat the Tigers to Gelhardt's signature this summer, with a permanent exit from Leeds looking increasingly likely.

Cameron said: "My opinion is that Joe Gelhardt, so far, has shown that he wants to stay. I think he told James Hogarth from BBC Humberside last week that he wanted to remain at Hull City next season, and why wouldn't he?

"He's a young player with high potential. He's playing week in, week out. He's hit some of the best form of his career whilst at Hull City, and the dressing room loves him. He's got friends in the dressing room like Kyle Joseph, Charlie Hughes and a few other players. There are a few scousers in our dressing room, so I hope he stays. I want him to stay. I think he's shown that he wants to stay as well, so it's really down to the club then. Can the club pull off a deal?

"I'm not sure contractually where he stands with Leeds. Obviously, if he's out of contract in the summer, then it's great for Hull City if they can go and get him on a free transfer. However, if he runs his contract down and a better offer comes on the table, then it's his decision.

"But it sounds like whatever decision he does make will be one that is for the best of his career. I don't think it sounds like he's interested in taking a higher wage but not going to get game time. So financially, I can't see Rangers being able to offer a better contract than us, subject to them being in the Champions League or Europa League. But based on Scottish football recently, that's not looking likely.

"So, I mean, I'm interested to see what his mindset is, but from what I heard last week when he spoke to BBC Humberside, it sounds like he wants to stay. And if Hull City were to get promoted, then I'm sure he definitely would want to stay.

"If we don't achieve promotion this season, I think we've got a young squad. With a lot of potential in it, where he can continue to develop, so he's got a decision to make, but I think I do think he will stay at Hull City. If I had to put money on it, I think he'll stay at Hull City next season."

Sergej Jakirovic must beat Rangers in a swoop for Joe Gelhardt this summer

No matter what division Hull find themselves in next season, re-signing Gelhardt this summer must be one of Jakirovic's top priorities.

Not only has he struck up numerous excellent partnerships throughout the side with the likes of McBurnie, Joseph, and Hughes, but his output and general performances have been integral to the Tigers defying expectations this season.

Promotion is still a real possibility for Hull, although they will have to go the hard way through the play-offs. Though given how tricky an opponent they have been this campaign, no side will be eager to play them over two legs or at Wembley, especially if Gelhardt is in the side.

Rangers have the advantage of likely being able to offer European football to Gelhardt, which he would surely find attractive, but whether Hull gets promoted or not, he has already outlined his intentions of remaining at the club.

Gelhardt told BBC Radio Humberside's James Hoggarth: "Everybody knows how much I love the club and my football here. I think it would be stupid to say I wouldn’t like to come back."

With one year remaining on his current deal with Leeds, Hull will likely have to pay a fee for the Englishman, something which they will be able to do this summer after their embargo is lifted, and you'd imagine they will move quickly to strike an agreement with the South Yorkshire outfit.

With Rangers lurking, Jakirovic must ensure this deal gets over the line at the earliest possible opportunity, given his importance to Hull's side.