It appears that Joe Gelhardt’s hopes of getting more playing time with Leeds United in the Championship haven’t materialized as expected. Despite the relegation to the Championship, Gelhardt has found it challenging to secure a spot in the matchday squad, especially with the emergence of Mateo Joseph.
While Gelhardt has shown promise in the past and was expected to flourish in the Championship, the current situation suggests that a move might be necessary for his career development. With Leeds having considerable depth in attacking positions and Gelhardt struggling for opportunities, a move to another club where he can get regular playing time could be beneficial for him at this stage of his career, whether or not Leeds are promoted.
It’s important for young players like Gelhardt to be playing consistently to continue their growth and showcase their abilities, and a move to a club where he is more likely to feature prominently could be the right step forward for him.
Joe Gelhardt will be hoping that Celtic and West Brom are interested in him again this summer
Gelhardt’s limited game time at Leeds United this season is evident, with just eight Championship appearances and minimal minutes played. It appears that manager Daniel Farke does not favor him currently. This contrasts with Gelhardt’s semi-regular appearances during the first half of the 2022/23 season under Jesse Marsh before his loan move to Sunderland.
Despite his lack of playing time, Gelhardt has attracted interest from reputable clubs in the past. Reports suggest that Celtic and West Brom were interested in signing him during the January transfer window. Given his situation and the interest from clubs like Celtic and West Brom, Gelhardt might benefit from seeking a move away in the summer transfer window.
In retrospect, it might seem puzzling why Leeds didn’t allow Gelhardt to leave in January. However, considering Leeds’ promotion ambitions and the risk of potential injuries depleting the squad, Farke may have opted to keep Gelhardt as a backup option. Nonetheless, Gelhardt’s potential departure in the upcoming transfer window could be an opportunity for him to secure more playing time and continue his development at a club where he is valued more prominently.
It seems like Leeds United are gearing up for contract talks with a key player before the summer transfer window. This move suggests that the club values the player highly and wants to secure their services for the future.
Regarding Gelhardt, it appears that his progress has slowed down recently, possibly leading to him falling in the pecking order. Had Farke, who is likely the manager or a key decision-maker, been aware of this situation, he might have considered allowing Gelhardt to leave during the January transfer window.
A potential move to clubs like West Brom or Celtic could offer Gelhardt the opportunity to continue playing for a big club at a good level, which would be beneficial for his career growth. Not making the bench for Leeds could hinder his development, so a move to another club where he can get more playing time might be in his best interest.
Joe Gelhardt needs to leave Leeds United in the summer
The 21-year-old player mentioned seems to have had a significant career trajectory already, having made his Championship debut at the age of 16 and accumulating 35 Premier League appearances. This indicates that he has been consistently performing at a high level and is considered a valuable asset to his team, Leeds. His early debut and experience in top-flight football suggest that he is a player with immense potential and talent. Despite his young age, his track record showcases his maturity and capability on the field, making him an integral part of Leeds’ matchday squads even during their time in the Championship.
| Joe Gelhardt’s senior career – Transfermarkt | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Seasons | P | G | A |
| Wigan Athletic | 2018-20 | 21 | 1 | 0 |
| Sunderland (Loan) | 2023-23 | 23 | 3 | 3 |
| Leeds United | 2020- | 52 | 3 | 7 |
A move to a fellow Championship club like West Brom or a club like Celtic, competing for silverware north of the border, could help reignite his career and give him the regular football he desperately needs.
Gelhardt has fallen out of favour at Elland Road, and he’s wasting valuable time when he should be playing regularly. If his current situation doesn’t improve, he surely has no option but to force a move in the summer for the benefit of his career.
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Aondofa Vershima 
Jonathan Jonathan