Birmingham City are among the Championship clubs to have been credited with an interest in Joe Gelhardt as Blues boss Chris Davies continues his search for attacking reinforcements. The 24-year-old forward, who spent last season on loan at Hull City from Leeds United, is understood to tick a lot of boxes for Davies, who is looking to add more firepower ahead of the new campaign.
Gelhardt is vastly experienced at Championship level, having played more than 100 second-tier games, and played a key role in Hull's promotion to the Premier League last term. He contributed 15 league goals for the Tigers – a tally only bettered by Zan Vipotnik, Oli McBurnie, Haji Wright and Jack Clarke – and he even scored against Birmingham City in April.
Why Blues need Gelhardt
Davies's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation could offer Gelhardt a natural role in the number 10 position. Since Blues won promotion to the Championship, Davies has favoured second strikers over more creative midfielders in that role, believing it gives his side a greater probability of scoring. Jay Stansfield and Marvin Ducksch both fit that profile, but Ducksch is coveted by other clubs and could leave Blues this summer, creating a potential vacancy.
Gelhardt's ability to play both as a second striker and as a central striker makes him an attractive option. His movement, energy and eye for goal have been demonstrated across his loan spells, and he would arrive with a point to prove after falling out of favour at Leeds.
Hull's dilemma
Gelhardt is not thought to have a future at Leeds United, where he has one year remaining on the bumper five-year contract he signed in 2022. Hull are interested in re-signing him, but they are taking their time over a deal. The Tigers have been busy since securing promotion, prioritising proven Premier League players such as Aston Villa's Leon Bailey, which has delayed a move for Gelhardt.
Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic made his feelings clear over the weekend, saying: “If it’s my decision he will be here with us. We are expecting some players in his position – eight, 10, right winger – also. We know everything about him and he doesn’t need any adaptation. We will see. I would like to sign him.”
However, owner Acun Illicali has indicated that other signings take priority. In an interview with BBC Humberside, Illicali said: “I can’t say yes or no at the moment. I love Gelhardt. After our coach will see the squad and what we will bring to him, he will decide about Gelhardt. We have a good relationship with Leeds, they let us get him two times, so if we want to get him again we will have an advantage, but the problem is if he will not be able to play. So, after our squad will be on the table, the coach will decide if he will be able to give time to him or not. He will decide.”
Leeds want a pay day
With Hull stalling, other Championship suitors are looking to convince Gelhardt to move elsewhere. Leeds, meanwhile, are eager to cash in on the forward while they still can. His contract expires next summer, meaning this represents their last realistic opportunity to command a transfer fee.
The key question now is whether Gelhardt is willing to wait for Hull, where he might end up as a bit-part player in the Premier League, or whether he chooses to drop back down to the Championship, where he is proven and wanted. Birmingham City, among others, will be hoping he opts for the latter.
