Joe Gelhardt’s future at Leeds United is already the subject of speculation ahead of the January transfer window, with former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer predicting the 22-year-old forward could be on his way out.
In an interview with Football League World (5 September), Palmer expressed surprise that Gelhardt didn’t secure a move away from Elland Road before the summer deadline, especially given his lack of game time.
With limited opportunities to feature under Daniel Farke, Palmer believes that if Gelhardt’s situation doesn’t improve soon, the player’s agents will be looking to engineer a move, either on loan or permanently, when the window reopens.
Palmer said: “I’m surprised he didn’t leave Leeds this summer. Joe Gelhardt finds himself in an unenviable position at the moment. He’s 22, and he’s getting very little game time at Leeds United. I’m surprised he didn’t leave Leeds this summer.
“There were previously last season, the likes of Ipswich Town, who were interested in him. The season before, he went on loan to Championship Sunderland, where he played 18 games and only scored three goals.
“I am surprised that him and his advisors haven’t sorted a move. He needs to play football, and he’s just not getting any game time and the years are ticking on. I’m sure his advisors now will be looking at it saying, listen, right, if he’s not getting game time, I think by the time we get to the Championship transfer window, they’ll look to get him out, whether it’s on loan or on a permanent deal.”
Leeds manager Daniel Farke has yet to be convinced of Gelhardt’s value to the squad, despite the player’s potential. Last season, Gelhardt was sent on loan to Sunderland, where he struggled to make a significant impact, scoring just three goals in 18 appearances.
His lack of consistent playing time at Leeds since signing a long-term contract two years ago has only added to frustrations for both the player and his representatives.
According to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth (30 August), there were plans for Gelhardt to potentially leave on loan on Deadline Day, had Leeds secured a late attacking signing.
Hungarian international Roland Sallai was linked with a move to Elland Road from Freiburg, but talks ultimately fell through, meaning Gelhardt was retained by the club.
It appears Gelhardt is now being kept as cover, but he has rarely been given significant minutes to prove his worth.
His role has largely been limited to cameo appearances off the bench, and it seems Farke, like previous managers, does not fully trust him in the starting lineup.
Jesse Marsch, the former Leeds manager, had spoken highly of Gelhardt when he signed his new deal, but that promise was rarely followed up with meaningful game time.
With established forwards like Mateo Joseph, Joel Piroe, and Patrick Bamford ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s difficult to see how Gelhardt breaks through unless injuries create an opportunity.
Despite the club’s efforts to bring in another striker during the summer, plans to offload Patrick Bamford didn’t materialise either, making Gelhardt’s position all the more precarious.
If Gelhardt’s situation doesn’t improve soon, a move in January may be inevitable to ensure he can get the regular football his career now requires.