‘I can’t wait to get started’: Forward Gelhardt signs for Tigers on loan from rivals Leeds

‘HAPPY’: New signing Joe Gelhardt

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Hull City have announced the loan signing of forward Joe Gelhardt from Sky Bet Championship rivals Leeds United.

The 22-year-old, who becomes the Tigers’ second January recruit following the permanent transfer of midfielder Matt Crooks, will spend the rest of the 2024/25 season in East Yorkshire.

The Liverpool-born attacker’s first career goal came against City for his first club Wigan Athletic in a 2-2 draw in September 2019, 13 months after making his professional debut aged 16.

Featuring 21 times for the Latics, the former England youth international moved to Elland Road in August 2020 and has made 57 appearances for the Whites.

Thirty-five outings came during Leeds’ spell in the Premier League, netting against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and a stoppage-time winner at home to Norwich City.

The left-footer played 20 matches during a half-season loan at Sunderland in 2022/23, bagging one of three Black Cats strikes against City in an exhilarating 4-4 draw at the Stadium of Light.

Game time has been limited since returning to West Yorkshire, with Gelhardt an unused substitute during Leeds’ thrilling 3-3 draw at the MKM Stadium earlier this month.

Gelhardt said: “It’s a happy moment for me. I’ve spoken to the manager about the plans and direction the club is going in and I can’t wait to get started and get playing.

“I’m really excited to work with the manager. He sees me more playing off the nine, maybe off the right or just behind.

“My best positions are striker or just behind the striker, trying to help assist and score goals for the team and trying to win games.

“Every footballer wants to train hard all week and get rewarded with playing on the weekend.

“That hasn’t happened for me in the last few years so I’m really excited to get playing again and get that matchday feeling back.”