Leeds United player hints he is eyeing Elland Road exit - significant fee claim made | OneFootball

A big decision is on the way for Joe Gelhardt, and it could benefit Hull City

Hull City forward Joe Gelhardt has dropped a hint about his future at the MKM Stadium.

The 22-year-old is currently on loan with the Tigers from fellow Championship side Leeds United.

He made the switch in the January window to gain more minutes and, since then, his parent side have confirmed their place in the Premier League.

It gives the Liverpool-born forward a decision to make heading into the summer, and he’s already hinted at the direction of travel.

Gelhardt drops hint on Hull City future

Without all-out confirming he wants to stay at Hull, the attacker poured doubt over his near future being with Leeds.

Speaking to Hull Live, Gelhardt said: "I wasn't playing at Leeds, and now I've got a taste of football.

"I don't want to be sitting on a bench and not playing my football. I've enjoyed it so much here, so I'd like to play football again next year.

“I don't know where that's going to be, but I definitely want to be playing football."

While he clearly can’t confirm his place next year given the variables involved, it seems apparent that Gelhardt would be open to a return.

A deal won’t be easy for Hull

Hull Live’s report goes on to state that the Tigers are also keen to get Gelhardt back next season, but face significant obstacles.

Leeds have the young forward under contract at Elland Road until 2027, meaning they have a good deal of control in the negotiations.

The fee the Whites are looking for is understood by Hull Live to be a significant one, and that’s without factoring in the likely demand from other clubs.

It’s not known yet whether Hull would try to do a loan or permanent deal, but they’re unlikely to be the only side interested.

A move away from Leeds seems right for Gelhardt

Gelhardt took the temporary move away from Elland Road because, in his own words, he wasn’t playing enough football.

Given that Leeds have just confirmed their place back in the Premier League, with all the riches that brings, he’s unlikely to find more minutes in a higher division, especially if Daniel Farke’s side invest heavily in the transfer window.

Now 22, while still young, it is time for Gelhardt to establish himself at a club rather than being viewed merely as a prospect for the future.

He’s already proven capable of that, notching five goals in 18 appearances during his short time with the Tigers.

It would be ideal for the forward to return to a club he’s clearly settled in well at and who value his talents – it would be an ideal platform to properly launch his senior career.

But his long-term contract means that Leeds hold all the keys to the deal.