Joe Gelhardt explains excitement as Leeds United strike £6.5m Hull City deal — Leeds Live 15/8/26
Gelhardt has gone to Premier League rivals Hull City
James Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire
sport at Reach plc
Joe Gelhardt says he's 'buzzing' to be a Hull City player
after getting his wish of a move to East Yorkshire. After two years away from
Leeds United on loan, Gelhardt has finally left the club for good after
agreeing a switch to Hull.
The Tigers have struck a deal to sign the 24-year-old on a
four-year contract with the option of a fifth year, with Leeds understood to
have picked up £6.5m, possibly rising to £8m, from the sale of the attacking
midfielder or forward.
It had looked like Gelhardt would be joining Birmingham City
earlier in the week after the Blues had agreed terms with Leeds and he was set
for a medical. However, Tigers owner Acun Ilicali swooped in to strike a deal
thought to be worth in the region of £4m and to snatch him from under the noses
of the Blues.
Gelhardt's deal at Hull sees him rewarded for two loan
spells at the MKM Stadium, where he scored five goals to help keep City in the
Championship, before netting 15 last term, including one in the play-off
semi-final win at Millwall to help the Tigers win promotion to the Premier
League.
The player had been pushing for a move to Hull since the end
of last season and now sees that wish become a reality as his time at Leeds
ends.
While Gelhardt has been frozen out by Leeds in recent years
under Daniel Farke, earlier in his Elland Road career he made 35 appearances in
the Premier League and will be fondly remembered by many Leeds supporters.
Gelhardt said: “I’m over the moon. It’s been a great 18
months playing here – I’ve loved every minute of it. Since the season ended, I
knew exactly where I wanted to be. Thankfully, it’s happened.
“As soon as I joined the club, I connected with the fans,
the staff, all the players. I’m happy to be here on a permanent now, rather
than a loan. “Last season was amazing for everyone involved. A lot of people
wrote us off and didn’t believe we could do it. We knew the quality we had and
there was such a togetherness at the club.
“I was delighted with the way it happened at Wembley, in the
last minute. It was brilliant! Everyone is aware of how much love I have for
Hull. Once the owner called, it was always going to be Hull.
“I was buzzing to come back and see everyone. Now we’re in
the Premier League, everyone is excited to play against the best and test
ourselves. Thanks to the fans for their support and the love you have shown me.
Here’s to another four years!”
