Hull City have received a major boost in terms of their current quest for the Championship play-off places, after Leeds United’s Joe Gelhardt stance was revealed.
The Tigers currently find themselves eighth in the Championship, following Saturday’s late victory against Stoke City and are just one point off the top six.
One player that has played a major role in that is loan star Joe Gelhardt, and now his future for the current campaign appears likely to have been confirmed.
Hull City dealt play-off boost
As reported by journalist Barry Cooper, Leeds United are unlikely to utilise their recall clause on striker Joe Gelhardt during the January transfer window.
Leeds have the option to bring Gelhardt back to Elland Road during the opening stages of the January window, or they can decide to leave him with the Tigers.
Speaking to Leeds Live, Cooper stated…
’My understanding is that Leeds have the option to recall him (Gelhardt) in January, but only have a short window early on to do that, and at this stage, have no plans to call him back.
‘Obviously things change, and that’s always the case with the transfers, but as it stands he’ll stay at City for the season.’
How important has Gelhardt been this season?
The 23-year-old has been integral to Hull’s play-off plans so far this season and losing him would be a major loss.
After returning to the club following his loan stint last season, Gelhardt has made 19 appearances across all competitions for the Tigers.
During this time, Gelhardt has scored nine goals and provided three additional assists which is impressively under the one per two game mark.
Is it likely the stance changes?
By the sounds of Cooper’s comments, it is unlikely that Leeds will use their recall clause for Gelhardt but circumstances between now and January are always possible to change.
For example, Leeds United could undergo an injury crisis in the forward department and that could force their hand.
Similarly, it was also revealed that Leeds wanted £8 million for Gelhardt in the summer, so if a side theoretically matched that price tag and Hull couldn’t, he could also move on.
However, the likelihood of either of those happening is fairly low – much to the delight of the Hull City supporters.
