With the 2025/26 season now finished and Premier League survival secured, Leeds United have already begun turning their attention towards the summer transfer window.
After the loss to West Ham, Daniel Farke admitted he is feeling worn out following a demanding campaign and plans to take a short break over the next few days. Despite that, work behind the scenes is continuing as Leeds push ahead with their recruitment plans.
The club are aiming to strengthen multiple areas of the squad this summer, with the intention of adding more depth while also improving the quality of the starting eleven ahead of next season.
Paraag Marathe has promised careful deliberation ahead of making any transfer decisions. However, it seems one player has already made up his mind about a permanent exit.
Joe Gelhardt hints at wanting a permanent Leeds United exit
Joe Gelhardt has played a major role in helping Hull City to get promoted to the Premier League this season. They beat Middlesbrough in the playoff final over the weekend.
The Leeds loanee has been at the MKM Stadium for the last 18 months and has played some of the best football of his career for the Tigers.
Hull have been open about wanting to sign the forward on a permanent deal this summer, and Leeds could now demand a significant fee for his sale.
A deal is not in place yet between the two clubs, but Gelhardt has dropped a major hint on what he wants to do, which is to join Hull on a permanent deal this summer.
“It’s a good question, isn’t it?”, Gelhardt told Hull Live when asked whether he would sign a permanent contract with Hull City.
“Let’s see what happens over the summer, but it’s pretty clear what I want to do.”
Those words have sent a clear message to both sets of supporters and are likely to accelerate talks between the two clubs in the coming weeks.
Gelhardt’s impressive loan spell at Hull City
Joe Gelhardt joined Hull City on an initial short-term loan in January 2025 before returning for a full season-long loan in August 2025. The 24-year-old forward has thrived under the Tigers’ system, contributing 14 goals and 4 assists in 39 Championship appearances during the 2025/26 campaign.1719
His performances were pivotal in Hull’s promotion push, culminating in a dramatic 1-0 playoff final victory over Middlesbrough thanks to a late Oli McBurnie winner. Gelhardt’s ability to link play, press high, and finish clinically has made him a fan favourite at the MKM Stadium.
At just 24 years old, the Liverpool-born striker has shown significant development since leaving Wigan Athletic for Leeds United in 2020. His time at Elland Road, however, has been frustrating, with limited first-team opportunities under multiple managers.
Why Gelhardt doesn’t fit at Leeds
Despite showing early promise when he broke into the Leeds first team, Gelhardt has struggled for consistent minutes at Elland Road. Daniel Farke’s preferred attacking setup has often favoured more established names, leaving the young forward on the fringes.
Previous loan spells, including at Sunderland in 2022/23 where he scored 3 goals in 18 appearances, have helped his development, but the Hull move has been by far his most successful.
Leeds United are well within their rights to demand a substantial fee for the player, whose contract runs until 2027. With Hull now promoted to the Premier League, the financial incentives for both clubs are significant. A permanent transfer could be worth several million pounds, potentially rising with add-ons based on appearances and performance in the top flight.13
From Leeds’ perspective, selling Gelhardt would also help balance the books and free up squad space for incoming attackers who better fit Farke’s tactical vision for a more competitive Premier League campaign next season.
Hull City’s ambition and Gelhardt’s future
Hull City’s promotion back to the Premier League after nearly a decade away marks an exciting new chapter. The club has already signalled their intent to strengthen the squad to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Signing Gelhardt permanently would represent excellent continuity. The forward knows the club, the fans adore him, and his partnership with players like McBurnie could prove potent in the Premier League.
When asked about his future, Gelhardt’s comments were measured but telling. He clearly values the platform Hull has given him and appears eager to continue his journey in East Yorkshire rather than return to a squad where he may once again find himself on the bench.
Leeds must finalise his departure soon. Joe Gelhardt has arguably produced some of the best football of his career during the last 18 months at Hull City, and he has spoken openly about wanting to remain with the Tigers.
He does not feature in the long-term plans of Daniel Farke at Leeds United, having been given limited chances before eventually being sent out on loan.
Leeds are well within their rights to demand a higher transfer fee given Gelhardt’s performances, his importance to Hull and the financial rewards the club are set to receive following promotion.
At the same time, Leeds would benefit from getting a deal wrapped up quickly so Gelhardt can settle his future and fully focus on preparing for next season in the Premier League.
What’s next for Leeds United’s attack?
With Gelhardt likely heading for the exit door, Leeds will be active in the market looking for reinforcements. The club has been linked with several exciting attackers, including players from the Championship and abroad, as they aim to build a squad capable of mid-table security or better.
Farke’s side showed resilience to stay in the Premier League but will need more firepower if they are to push higher next term. The departure of Gelhardt, while disappointing for some fans who remember his early cameos, is part of a necessary squad refresh.
Meanwhile, Hull fans will be hoping the deal can be concluded swiftly. Gelhardt has the potential to become a key player in their Premier League return, bringing energy, goals, and that familiar connection from their promotion-winning campaign.
The summer transfer window is just beginning, but this particular story already feels close to its conclusion. “It’s pretty clear what I want,” said Gelhardt — and for once in football, the player’s desire might just align perfectly with both clubs’ needs.