Joe Gelhardt explains excitement as Leeds United strike Hull City deal
· James Smailes · 2026-08-15T11:07:38+00:00 · nguồn gốc
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, pisslby 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!”